Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
L. Arndt, T. Koleala, A. Orban, C. Ibam, E. Lufele, L. Timinao, L. Lorry, A. Butykai, P. Kaman, A. P. Molnar, S. Krohns, E. Nate, I Kucsera, E. Orosz, B. Moore, L. J. Robinson, M. Laman, I Kezsmarki, S. Karl
Summary: The study evaluated the potential of rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD) in malaria diagnosis, showing its sensitivity and specificity for detecting malaria infections and residual materials from previous infections. This could help reveal transmission hotspots in low-transmission settings.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Olivia Foesleitner, Laura Bettina Jaeger, Daniel Schwarz, Jennifer Hayes, Georges Sam, Brigitte Wildemann, Wolfgang Wick, Martin Bendszus, Sabine Heiland
Summary: This study used quantitative magnetic resonance neurography to evaluate peripheral nerve involvement in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at first clinical presentation, and correlated the findings with clinical, laboratory, electrophysiological, and central nervous MR imaging data. The results showed diffuse nerve changes in the tibial and peroneal nerves of MS patients, with decreased proton spin density, increased T2 relaxation time, and smaller nerve cross-sectional area compared to healthy subjects. The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance biomarkers was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic curves.
INVESTIGATIVE RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Charit Tippareddy, Walter Zhao, Jeffrey L. Sunshine, Mark Griswold, Dan Ma, Chaitra Badve
Summary: Magnetic resonance fingerprinting is an evolving quantitative MRI framework capable of simultaneously producing multiple high-resolution property maps. Despite being a relatively new technology, MRF has rapidly developed for various clinical applications such as brain tumor characterization and prostate cancer characterization.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yiming Chen, Xiuting Mei, Xuqian Liang, Yi Cao, Cong Peng, Yang Fu, Yulong Zhang, Cuifang Liu, Yang Liu
Summary: The T1 and T2 values of MAGiC have high efficiency in diagnosing osteoporosis by establishing a function fitting formula of BMD with T1, T2, and age.
BMC MEDICAL IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongqiang Li, Yi Xiao, Quan Tao, Mengmeng Yu, Li Zheng, Siwei Yang, Guqiao Ding, Hui Dong, Xiaoming Xie
Summary: A magnetic sensor utilizing magnetic graphene quantum dots and fluoride anions for ultra-sensitive detection was developed in this study, with an optimized method achieving a detection limit of 10 nmol/L. The key factors responsible for the change in relaxation time of magnetic GQDs in the presence of fluoride ions were revealed, indicating important implications for the development of magnetic probes and contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Benjamin Henninger, Michaela Plaikner, Heinz Zoller, Andre Viveiros, Stephan Kannengiesser, Werner Jaschke, Christian Kremser
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using a 3D-multiecho-Dixon sequence and its improved version for MR quantification of hepatic iron, showing both sequences to be reliable and comparable to established relaxometry methods.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Smitha Surendran Thamarath, Ching Ann Tee, Shu Hui Neo, Dahou Yang, Rashidah Othman, Laurie A. Boyer, Jongyoon Han
Summary: Detection of cellular senescence is important in analyzing the quality of cell therapy products. This study reports the development of a rapid live-cell assay that can detect senescent cells in heterogeneous MSC cultures. The assay uses microscale Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry to measure the T-2 relaxation time, which correlates strongly with senescence markers.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Man Tang, Jiao Feng, Hou-Fu Xia, Chun-Miao Xu, Ling-Ling Wu, Min Wu, Shao-Li Hong, Gang Chen, Zhi-Ling Zhang
Summary: This paper presents a continuous magnetic separation microfluidic chip that allows for rapid and continuous in vivo cell detection. The chip has shown potential in studying the circulation of tumor cells in the blood, providing a new platform for exploring the cellular mechanism of tumor metastasis.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Vasco Rafael dos Santos, Victor Goncalves, Peishan Deng, Ana Cristina Ribeiro, Mariana Maia Teigao, Barbara Dias, Ines Mendes Pinto, Juan Gallo, Weng Kung Peng
Summary: This study demonstrates that multi-parametric time-domain NMR relaxometry can be used to quickly identify and classify olive oils with higher sensitivity and specificity. Additionally, this method can be used to trace the regions of origin for olive trees.
NPJ SCIENCE OF FOOD
(2022)
Article
Optics
Rohit Chikkaraddy, Rakesh Arul, Lukas A. Jakob, Jeremy J. Baumberg
Summary: This study proposes a method for detecting molecular vibrations in the mid-infrared range at room temperature. By assembling molecules into a plasmonic nanocavity resonant at both mid-infrared and visible wavelengths, and optically pumping them below the electronic absorption band, successful conversion of mid-infrared light and observation of enhanced visible luminescence were achieved.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sumaiya Shomaji, Naren Vikram Raj Masna, David Ariando, Shubhra Deb Paul, Kelsey Horace-Herron, Domenic Forte, Soumyajit Mandal, Swarup Bhunia
Summary: Dyeing vegetables with harmful compounds has become a concerning public health issue in recent years, as excessive consumption of dyed vegetables can lead to severe health hazards such as cancer. This study validates the presence and quantity of dye-based adulteration in vegetables using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology, and proposes a low-cost detection method that can be used in various stages of the produce supply chain.
Article
Neurosciences
Luke J. Edwards, Peter McColgan, Saskia Helbling, Angeliki Zarkali, Lenka Vaculciakova, Kerrin J. Pine, Fred Dick, Nikolaus Weiskopf
Summary: The study investigated the associations between qMRI parameters and neocortical cell types by comparing the spatial distribution of qMRI parameters to gene expression from the Allen Human Brain Atlas. The results suggest that qMRI parameters could potentially be used as biomarkers for specific cell types.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yueru Tian, Tong Zhang, Jian Guo, Huijun Lu, Yuhan Yao, Xi Chen, Xinlian Zhang, Guodong Sui, Ming Guan
Summary: A multifunctional microfluidic module was developed to simplify and accelerate the diagnosis of Cryptococcal meningitis, with improved nucleic acid extraction efficiency and reduced exposure risk. The module, requiring no additional instruments, holds great potential for applications in diagnosis and treatment.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Nali Yu, Jee Young Kim, Dongyeob Han, So Young Kim, Hye Mi Lee, Dong-Hyun Kim, Hyun Gi Kim
Summary: This study applied high spatial resolution 3D MRF to neonates and demonstrated regional differences and maturation in the neonatal brain.
INVESTIGATIVE RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
R. D. Allert, F. Bruckmaier, N. R. Neuling, F. A. Freire-Moschovitis, K. S. Liu, C. Schrepel, P. Schaetzle, P. Knittel, M. Hermans, D. B. Bucher
Summary: Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) applications have become important scientific tools, offering miniaturization, complex functionality, reproducibility, and high throughput. However, extensive sensor miniaturization is needed for full advantage, which has been challenging for quantum sensors. This study presents a fully integrated microfluidic platform for solid-state spin quantum sensors, enabling novel chemical analysis capabilities within LOC devices.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yunjie Deng, Hui Min Tay, Yuqi Zhou, Xueer Fei, Xuke Tang, Masako Nishikawa, Yutaka Yatomi, Han Wei Hou, Ting-Hui Xiao, Keisuke Goda
Summary: Vascular stenosis caused by atherosclerosis leads to platelet activation and aggregation, resulting in thrombus formation. Antiplatelet drugs are commonly used but may not prevent recurrent thrombotic events due to limited understanding of their efficacy in the complex hemodynamic environment. We propose and demonstrate a method involving a 3D stenosis microfluidic chip and optical time-stretch quantitative phase imaging system for studying the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs under stenosis. Our method simulates the flow environment of vascular stenosis and enables high-resolution and statistical analysis of platelet aggregates. This method can assist in developing optimal pharmacologic strategies for patients with atherosclerosis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aditya Ashok, Tuan-Khoa Nguyen, Matthew Barton, Michael Leitch, Mostafa Kamal Masud, Hyeongyu Park, Thanh-An Truong, Yusuf Valentino Kaneti, Hang Thu Ta, Xiaopeng Li, Kang Liang, Thanh Nho Do, Chun-Hui Wang, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Yusuke Yamauchi, Hoang-Phuong Phan
Summary: Flexible and low-impedance mesoporous gold electrodes were developed through a combination of bottom-up mesoporous formation technique and top-down microlithography process. These electrodes exhibited excellent mechanical flexibility, stable electrical characteristics, and high surface area, making them suitable for high current density transfer and biological sensing. In vivo experiments demonstrated successful peripheral nerve recording functionalities, highlighting the potential of these electrodes for neuronal recording and modulation applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kimberley Clack, Narshone Soda, Surasak Kasetsirikul, Rabbee G. G. Mahmudunnabi, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: Liquid biopsy is a significant advancement in the early detection of cancer, as it offers painless sampling through easily accessible bodily fluids and eliminates the need for specialized equipment or trained staff. Nanotechnology and microfabrication have enabled the development of highly precise chip-based platforms, which can detect multiple cancer biomarkers simultaneously and overcome detection limitations. This review highlights the major advances in portable and semi-portable micro, nano, and multiplexed platforms for circulating cancer biomarker detection, discusses the merits and drawbacks of these platforms, and addresses the challenges and future directions in terms of device portability.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xiangxun Chen, Yuao Wu, Van Thanh Dau, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: Biological drugs (BDs) have become increasingly important in treating various diseases, but their effectiveness is limited by challenges in administration, delivery, stability, and degradation. Nanotechnology, specifically polymeric nanomaterials, is being used to overcome these limitations. This review examines recent articles on manufacturing methods for encapsulating BDs in polymeric materials and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies, such as emulsification, nanoprecipitation, self-encapsulation, and coaxial electrospraying. The impact of critical synthesis parameters on BD activity, such as sonication, is also explored, along with future challenges and perspectives for scale-up production and clinical translation.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bishal Boro, Ratul Paul, Hui Ling Tan, Quang Thang Trinh, Jabor Rabeah, Chia-Che Chang, Chih-Wen Pao, Wen Liu, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Binh Khanh Mai, John Mondal
Summary: In this study, a unique metalated porous organic polymer was synthesized using a cost-effective approach, and it exhibited superior catalytic performance for low-temperature reactions in water. The polymer addressed some drawbacks of conventional catalytic systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cong Thanh Nguyen, Dinh Gia Ninh, Tuan-Hung Nguyen, Trung-Hieu Vu, Dang D. H. Tran, Braiden Tong, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Van Thanh Dau, Dzung Viet Dao
Summary: This paper presents a new self-powered mechanical sensing technology based on vertical piezo-optoelectronic coupling. By applying mechanical stress or strain to the 3C-SiC/Si heterojunction, the photogenerated voltage can be changed. Experimental results demonstrate a highly linear relationship between strain and vertical photovoltage, increasing under tensile strain and decreasing under compressive strain. The proposed technology exhibits significantly larger strain sensitivities compared to lateral piezo-optoelectronic couplings reported in literature. The enhancement in strain sensitivity opens up possibilities for the development of ultra-sensitive and self-powered mechanical sensors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thanh-An Truong, Tuan Khoa Nguyen, Xinghao Huang, Aditya Ashok, Sharda Yadav, Yoonseok Park, Mai Thanh Thai, Nhat-Khuong Nguyen, Hedieh Fallahi, Shuhua Peng, Sima Dimitrijev, Yi-Chin Toh, Yusuke Yamauchi, Chun Hui Wang, Nigel Hamilton Lovell, John Ashley Rogers, Thanh Nho Do, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hangbo Zhao, Hoang-Phuong Phan
Summary: A stamping-free micromachining process is used to realize 3D flexible and stretchable wide bandgap electronics. Photolithography is applied on both sides of free-standing nanomembranes to create flexible structures directly on standard silicon wafers, allowing control over optical transparency and mechanical properties. The detachment and controlled mechanical buckling of the devices transform 2D wide bandgap semiconductors into complex 3D structures. This advancement in wide bandgap materials with 3D architectures will greatly facilitate the development of advanced 3D bio-electronics interfaces.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Helena H. W. B. Hansen, Haotian Cha, Lingxi Ouyang, Jun Zhang, Bo Jin, Helen Stratton, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hongjie An
Summary: Nanobubbles, suspended gaseous entities in liquids, have versatile biomedical applications such as aiding in drug delivery, serving as imaging agents, and allowing controlled and targeted delivery. This review provides an overview of their preparation, characterization, current research focuses, and their potential impact on the future of biomedicine.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Acoustics
Aditya Vashi, Ajeet Singh Yadav, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Kamalalayam Rajan Sreejith
Summary: Acoustic levitation is a versatile technique that can handle solid and liquid samples without contact. This study demonstrates the use of acoustically levitated droplets as a means to simulate microgravity on earth, which has potential applications in laboratory experiments.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Haotian Cha, Hoseyn A. Amiri, Sima Moshafi, Ali Karimi, Ali Nikkhah, Xiangxun Chen, Hang T. Ta, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Jun Zhang
Summary: Inertial microfluidics is a technique that uses the finite inertia of fluid at high flow speed to manipulate and separate microparticles. Embedding periodic micro-obstacles into curvilinear channels has been found to be an effective strategy to improve inertial focusing and separation. This study systematically investigated the influence of micro-obstacles on inertial focusing and developed a high-resolution microfluidic device for particle and cell separation. The results showed that concave obstacles were more effective in tuning particle inertial focusing and separation compared to convex obstacles, and the square concave obstacle channel offered the highest separation resolution. The developed microfluidic device showed high-efficiency separation of polystyrene beads and U87MG cancer cells from blood.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sharda Yadav, Pradip Singha, Nhat-Khuong Nguyen, Chin Hong Ooi, Navid Kashaninejad, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: Cellular response to mechanical stimuli is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis, and the interaction between the extracellular matrix and mechanical stress plays a significant role in organizing the cytoskeleton and aligning cells. Tools for applying and measuring mechanical forces on cells have greatly contributed to understanding mechanobiology and its impact on diseases.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Minh Nguyen, Mohamed Sallam, Md Sajedul Islam, Kimberley Clack, Narshone Soda, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: Playing a critical role in fetal growth and development, the placenta serves as the interface between fetal and maternal circulation. Placental exosomes, small membrane-bound extracellular vesicles released by the placenta during pregnancy, contain biomolecules that can potentially be biomarkers for maternal diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of placental exosomes in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, suggesting their potential as new biomarkers in liquid biopsy analysis. This review provides an overview of the biological function of placental exosomes, their potential as biomarkers for maternal diseases, and the current barriers and future directions in exosome isolation, characterization, and detection techniques. Additionally, microfluidic devices for exosome research are discussed.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Akriti Nepal, Huong D. N. Tran, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: In traumatized patients, uncontrollable continuous bleeding and unexpected intraoperative bleeding are the primary causes of mortality, increasing the risk of complications and surgical failure. Haemostatic sponges, with their high liquid absorption ratio, are an effective clinical practice for treating various types of wound bleeding. When in contact with blood, they can cause platelet adhesion, aggregation, and thrombosis, achieving the goal of wound bleeding control.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chayakorn Petchakup, Siong Onn Wong, Rinkoo Dalan, Han Wei Hou
Summary: Neutrophils, which are the most abundant circulating white blood cells, release DNA to eliminate pathogenic threats. The conventional methods for quantifying neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are expensive and time-consuming. In this study, a novel virtual staining method using deep convolutional neural networks was employed to quantify NETs without labeling. The accuracy of the model was optimized and validated using various reconstruction metrics. The model successfully detected different NET profiles for different treatments, demonstrating its potential for clinical research and disease testing.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Melissa Kao Hui Lee, Hong Kit Lim, Chengxun Su, Jie Yan Cheryl Koh, Magdiel Inggrid Setyawati, Kee Woei Ng, Han Wei Hou, Chor Yong Tay
Summary: This study used a three-dimensional biomimetic microfluidic lung-on-chip platform and RNA sequencing to investigate the effects of two model nanoparticles on airway epithelium cells. It was found that even low-level exposure to these nanoparticles triggered chemotaxis of lung fibroblasts and induced a transcriptomic response associated with the development of lung fibrosis. These findings provide new insights into the early acute events of respiratory harm caused by environmental nanoparticles exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)