Article
Biophysics
Elham Mohseni-Vadeghani, Reza Karimi-Soflou, Sajedeh Khorshidi, Akbar Karkhaneh
Summary: In this study, researchers successfully prepared PLLA microspheres loaded with oxygen-generating biomaterials, preventing hypoxia and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Modified microsphere structures and catalase treatment stably released oxygen and calcium ions, preventing cytotoxicity, making it a promising injectable cell carrier system for bone tissue engineering.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Weiyue Song, Ziyang Jin, Xing Huang, Zhenhao Xi, Xusong Luo, Lian Cen
Summary: This study developed a capillary-based microfluidic method to prepare PLGA microcarriers patterned with collagen patchy structure. The microcarriers enhanced the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. The content of collagen in the microcarriers affected their effects on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rui-Chian Tang, Lily Shang, Philip O. Scumpia, Dino Di Carlo
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel crescent-shaped hydrogel scaffold with a microporous structure that allows for improved cell infiltration and expansion. With the use of microfluidic fabrication, the size of the cavities in the scaffold can be adjusted, leading to enhanced cellular network formation in vitro and in vivo. The results suggest that this new scaffold has the potential for superior functionality in tissue engineering applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wantao Zhuge, Xi Ding, Wenhui Zhang, Dagan Zhang, Huan Wang, Jie Wang
Summary: This study proposes a method for building tissue constructions for muscle tissue engineering using microfluidics. The desired micromotors, encapsulating muscle cells and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, have controllable movement and can be assembled into cell mass constructions to achieve complex muscle tissue structures.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ahmad Moukachar, Katie Harvey, Eva Roke, Katherine Sloan, Cameron Pool, Shabbir Moola, Ameer Alshukri, Danielle Jarvis, Phoebe Crews-Rees, Grace McDermott, Lluan Evans, Jin Li, Christopher Thomas, Sion Coulman, Oliver Castell
Summary: The development of low-cost accessible technologies for rapid prototyping of mechanical components has made engineering tools more accessible to hobbyists and researchers. A similar approach can be applied to the fabrication of soft-matter and biologically compatible materials, enabling advancements in biological research.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miriam Filippi, Thomas Buchner, Oncay Yasa, Stefan Weirich, Robert K. Katzschmann
Summary: Bio-hybrid technologies aim to replicate the unique capabilities of biological systems, and soft bio-hybrid robots have the potential to self-assemble, regenerate, work autonomously, and interact safely with other species and the environment. Microfluidic techniques are crucial for engineering biological tissues and achieving fine structuring and regulation at the microscale.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ramon Rial, Natalia Hassan, Zhen Liu, Juan M. Ruso
Summary: The study successfully produced hydrogel microparticles with different morphologies and compositions by combining experimental and computational methods, incorporating drug-doped Hydroxyapatite in their inner matrix. The use of a microfluidic system to obtain crosslinked HMPs with homogeneous sizes and morphologies, as well as the adsorption kinetics and desorption profiles of the chosen drug models, were key aspects of the research. The development of these hydrogel microparticles with improved functionalities is crucial for innovative and sustainable solutions in regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marzieh Aliaghaei, Jered B. Haun
Summary: The dissociation of tissue and cell aggregates into single cells is important for various applications, but current methods are slow and poorly controlled. In this study, a microfluidic device was developed to achieve efficient dissociation and filtration of cell aggregates and digested tissue. Parameter optimization was performed to maximize cell recovery and viability. The results showed that the optimized device significantly improved cell recovery, especially for epithelial cells, while extended digestion time was still required for endothelial cells and leukocytes. This study highlights the importance of parameter optimization in achieving high cell yield and viability.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingbo Li, Han Zhang, Lingyu Sun, Lu Fan, Xiao Fu, Xiaoyu Liu, Dechen Liu, Qiong Wei, Yuanjin Zhao, Stephen J. Pandol, Ling Li
Summary: This article introduces an advanced technique for pancreatic beta cell culture, which involves the generation of porous microcarriers with pancreatic beta cell aggregates using microfluidic double emulsion techniques. The research shows that these microcarriers can improve pancreatic function and promote insulin secretion. This study offers an attractive option for diabetes treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xi Ding, Wantao Zhuge, Yue Zhang, Shijie Ding, Jie Wang, Guanghong Zhou
Summary: The simulation of traditional meat characteristics is critical to cultured meat production. In this study, bioinspired microfibers with solidified alginate shells and porcine muscle stem cell (PMSC) loaded hydrogel cores were proposed. The core-shell structure not only provided a spatially confined environment for directional cell alignment, but also facilitated cell migration and mutual fusion. The myogenic differentiation and muscle protein synthesis of PMSCs in microfibers were significantly promoted, resulting in the construction of cultured meat with similar appearance, texture, and protein composition to native pork. By integrating microfluidics and 3D printing technologies, the microfibers were assembled into bulk cultured meat tissues, and simultaneous printing of multiple pieces of cultured meat was achieved.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Nima Moslemy, Emad Sharifi, Mitra Asadi-Eydivand, Nabiollah Abolfathi
Summary: Cultured meat, produced by culturing animal cells in vitro, offers a promising solution to the challenges of traditional meat production. However, the industry still needs to overcome challenges such as scaling up production and ensuring product safety.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miriam Filippi, Oncay Yasa, Roger Dale Kamm, Ritu Raman, Robert K. Katzschmann
Summary: The next frontier in robotics will be led by biohybrids, and microfluidics is essential for sustaining, improving, and scaling the architectural complexity of biological tissues. Advances in microfluidics have already transformed disease modeling and drug development, and now have the potential to impact regenerative medicine through biohybrids. By combining microfluidics with living materials, tissue perfusion and maturation can be improved, and precise patterning of sensing, processing, and control elements can be achieved.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiangyi Wu, Haofang Zhu, Junyi Che, Ye Xu, Qian Tan, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Stem cell therapies have made progress in treating diabetic wounds, but face challenges such as short residency, immune reactions, and loss of cell functions. To address these issues, researchers developed microfluidic hydrogel microcarriers inspired by stem cell niches, encapsulating adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). These microcarriers showed improved bioactivities and promoted neovascularization, follicular rejuvenation, and collagen deposition in a mouse diabetic wound model. This study demonstrates the clinical potential of stem cell niche-inspired microcarriers for diabetic wound treatment.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessandra Dellaquila, Chau Le Bao, Didier Letourneur, Teresa Simon-Yarza
Summary: The study discusses the importance of vascularization techniques in tissue engineering and the current research progress. By using different strategies and materials, more biologically relevant and organ-specific 3D models can be established, which are expected to be used for regenerative medicine and drug development in the future.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hsia-Wei Liu, Wen-Ta Su, Ching-Yi Liu, Ching-Cheng Huang
Summary: A gelatin-based hydrogel scaffold with highly uniform pore size and biocompatibility was fabricated for cartilage tissue engineering using microfluidic 3D-foaming technology. The results showed that the scaffold has great potential in promoting chondrocyte proliferation, maintaining the structural stability of cartilage, and promoting cartilage repair.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yangnan Hu, Zhuoyue Chen, Hongyang Wang, Jiahui Guo, Jiaying Cai, Xiaoyan Chen, Hao Wei, Jieyu Qi, Qiuju Wang, Huisheng Liu, Yuanjin Zhao, Renjie Chai
Summary: Inspired by the structures of peripheral nerves, researchers have developed a conductive topological scaffold for nerve repair using modified butterfly wings. The scaffold showed increased neurite length and guided cellular orientation, and successfully repaired nerve defects in rats.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Guo, Yu Wang, Hui Zhang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive summary of research studies on the fabrication and properties of conductive materials with micro/nanostructures, as well as their promising applications and future opportunities in bioelectronic applications. It also critically analyzes the current opportunities and challenges for the future development of conductive materials with elaborate micro/nanostructures for bioelectronic applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Changmin Shao, Yuxiao Liu, Junjie Chi, Jie Wang, Ze Zhao, Yuanjin Zhao
Correction
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dan Wu, Yunru Yu, Cheng Zhao, Xin Shou, Yun Piao, Xin Zhao, Yuanjin Zhao, Shuqi Wang
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Correction
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Canwen Chen, Yuetong Wang, Dagan Zhang, Xiuwen Wu, Yun Zhao, Luoran Shang, Jianan Ren, Yuanjin Zhao
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qi Guo, Ya-Wen Li, Fang Yan, Ke Li, Yue-Tong Wang, Chao Ye, Tian-Qiong Shi, He Huang
Summary: In this study, a robust cell factory for sustainable alpha-humulene production was engineered using Yarrowia lipolytica. Through metabolic engineering strategies, the production of alpha-humulene was significantly improved.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuetong Wang, Dagan Zhang, Hui Zhang, Luoran Shang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: This study presents a novel photonic alginate hydrogel particle as an ALP sensor, which can trigger a phase-transition response from the hydrogel based on the competitive combination of an intermediary agent with a hydrogel crosslinker. The dual-indicator system provides quantitative determination of ALP with high accuracy and reliability, suggesting potential ideal applications for detecting ALP and other macromolecules.
NPG ASIA MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qingfei Zhang, Gaizhen Kuang, Yunru Yu, Xiaoya Ding, Haozhen Ren, Weijian Sun, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Research has shown that using novel hierarchical hydrogel microparticles (M-DDP) to deliver drugs can release them at the tumor site, reducing systemic toxicity. This approach not only induces immunogenic cell death in tumor cells, but also suppresses immunosuppressive cells within the tumor. These hierarchical microparticles exhibit superior synergistic antitumor efficacy in cell experiments.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoya Ding, Yunru Yu, Luoran Shang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: With the assistance of histidine, low-viscosity GO mixed polymer solutions can be prepared as printable inks through microfluidic 3D printing technique, forming hydrogel microfibers in histidine solutions. These hydrogel fibers support cell survival, exhibit excellent electrical conductivity, and can sense motion changes, offering a new option for the design and application of 3D printable aqueous GO inks in various fields.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danshan Zhao, Yawen Li, Zhidong Zhang, Tian Xu, Chao Ye, Tianqiong Shi, Yuetong Wang
Summary: Spores and pollens are reproductive cells of seed plants and asexually reproducing sporophytes, with a natural core-shell structure and exquisite surface morphology. They have remarkable dimensional homogeneity, porosity, amphiphilicity, and adhesion. The sporopollenin exine layer provides them with chemical stability, UV resistance, and biocompatibility, and their surface groups allow easy functionalization. Spores and pollens have found wide-ranging applications in drug delivery, biological imaging, food science, microrobotics, environmental purification, flexible electronics, cell scaffolds, 3D printing materials, and biological detection. This review summarizes their structural composition, physicochemical properties, extraction and processing methods, and recent research on their applications in various fields. It also discusses the existing challenges in spores and pollen research and provides future prospects.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jinyi Qian, Yuzhou Wang, Xiner Liu, Zijian Hu, Nan Xu, Yuetong Wang, Tianqiong Shi, Chao Ye
Summary: A genome-scale metabolic network model of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was constructed to study the inhibitory effects of metal ions on acetoin and identified potential targets for metabolic modification. Increasing the content of pyruvate by targeting 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase significantly enhanced acetoin synthesis rate.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Qian-Qian Peng, Qi Guo, Cheng Chen, Ping Song, Yue-Tong Wang, Xiao-Jun Ji, Chao Ye, Tian-Qiong Shi
Summary: This study successfully engineered an efficient yeast cell factory for overproducing patchoulol using systematic metabolic engineering strategies. By selecting a highly active patchoulol synthase, expanding the mevalonate precursor pool, and optimizing the downregulation of squalene synthesis, the patchoulol titer was significantly increased. The highest reported patchoulol titer of 2.864 g/L was achieved in a 5 L bioreactor.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Changqing Zhang, Jianwei Lin, Yunru Yu, Dawei Deng, Ying Yu, Dagan Zhang, Qifeng Zhong
Summary: The enrichment technology of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a medical approach used for capturing and isolating target tumor cells, which has gained significant attention for its applications in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Magnetic nanoparticles have become an important platform for CTCs capture and isolation. However, the inert surface properties of these nanoparticles pose a challenge in analyzing the molecular phenotype of CTCs and achieving high identification sensitivity.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhidong Zhang, Qi Guo, Yuetong Wang, He Huang
Summary: Microfluidics plays a crucial role in green biomanufacturing by genetically modifying microbial chassis to synthesize desired products. Droplet-based microfluidics has been successfully applied to various microbes, enabling the detection of massive metabolites. In summary, droplet microfluidics has evolved into a powerful technology for high-throughput screening in the green biomanufacturing industry.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Guo, Yunru Yu, Yingbo Shen, Xiaoyan Sun, Yan Bi, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Novel bioactive gellan gum microfibers loaded with antibacterial peptides and vascular endothelial growth factor are proposed for wound healing using microfluidic spinning. The bioactive microfibers obtained through microfluidics have uniform morphologies. The loaded antibacterial peptides effectively target bacteria at the wound site, reducing the risk of infection, while the sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor promotes angiogenesis and wound healing.