Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Joao Fernandes, Nikita Karra, Joel Bowring, Riccardo Reale, Jonathan James, Cornelia Blume, Theresa J. Pell, Wendy C. Rowan, Donna E. Davies, Emily J. Swindle, Hywel Morgan
Summary: A multichannel microfluidic platform for real-time monitoring of epithelial barrier integrity has been developed. The platform is scalable and capable of measuring barrier integrity in real-time, making it suitable for drug development and testing. The growth and polarization of human epithelial cells were continuously monitored, and the barrier integrity steadily increased over time. Additionally, a challenge experiment demonstrated the platform's feasibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abdalla M. Abdrabou, Bill T. Duong, Kangfu Chen, Randy Singh Atwal, Mahmoud Labib, Sichun Lin, Stephane Angers, Shana O. Kelley
Summary: Genome-wide loss-of-function screens are important for identifying novel genetic regulators of intracellular proteins. However, studying the changes in protein expression profile can be challenging due to localization differences. This study introduces nuPRISM, a microfluidics chip for large-scale isolated nuclei sorting, that enables rapid genome-wide loss-of-function screens for intranuclear targets.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yiming Wang, Xiaojie Wang, Tingrui Pan, Baoqing Li, Jiaru Chu
Summary: This technology utilizes real-time cellular recognition and microfluidic impact printing to efficiently isolate single cells in a label-free manner, with high efficiency and survival rate demonstrated in experiments. It has significant potential in various fields including single-cell omics, tissue engineering, and cell-line development.
Article
Biology
Alejandro Gimeno, Claire E. Stanley, Zacharie Ngamenie, Ming-Hui Hsung, Florian Walder, Stefanie S. Schmieder, Saskia Bindschedler, Pilar Junier, Beat Keller, Susanne Vogelgsang
Summary: Researchers have developed a microfluidic platform for real-time measurement of fungal-fungal interactions at the hyphal level. This device uses microchannel geometry to enhance the visibility of hyphal growth and provides control channels for comparisons between localized and systemic effects, facilitating the study of the relationship between the pathogenic fungus Fusarium graminearum and the biological control agent Clonostachys rosea.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Vladimir Riazanski, Gerardo Mauleon, Kilean Lucas, Samuel Walker, Adriana M. Zimnicka, James L. McGrath, Deborah J. Nelson
Summary: This study captures and stabilizes extracellular vesicles (EVs) using a filtration-based platform, and investigates the functional role of NHE1 protein in maintaining pH neutrality at the single vesicle level.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Sheng, Zena Huang, Tenghua Zhang, Feiyang Qian, Yuqing Zhu, Zaizai Dong, Qingyang Zhang, Qi Lei, Fanhui Kong, Yuqiong Wang, Maddie Walden, Stefan Wuttke, Lingqian Chang, Wei Zhu, Jiaming Hu
Summary: A cellular-nanoporation and exosome assessment device is developed for efficient transfection and potency testing of therapeutic agents, providing a novel quantitative platform for cell electroporation and in situ RNA expression analysis using nanochannels and exosomes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Van Nam Tran, Fazlurrahman Khan, Won Han, Maknuna Luluil, Van Gia Truong, Hyo Geun Yun, Sungyoung Choi, Young-Mog Kim, Joong Ho Shin, Hyun Wook Kang
Summary: This study used a microfluidic technique to analyze the real-time formation of mono- and dual-species biofilms and noninvasive optical treatment. The results showed that the dual-species biofilm had the highest coverage, and the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm developed faster than the Candida albicans biofilm. Additionally, the 405-nm laser had a significant bactericidal effect on both the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm and the dual-species biofilm.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Vanessa Velasco, Patricia Soucy, Robert Keynton, Stuart J. Williams
Summary: A microfluidic impedance platform was introduced to monitor endothelium monolayers under fluid shear stress, with evaluations showing that 200 μm diameter sensing electrodes provided the most accurate measurements. The platform allowed for real-time monitoring of cell behavior and culture media resistance independently, with the ability to accurately predict cell response. The study also found that shear magnitude affected cell permeability, with stepped shear conditions showing different outcomes compared to constant shear stress.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nikita Subedi, Laura C. Van Eyndhoven, Ayla M. Hokke, Lars Houben, Mark C. Van Turnhout, Carlijn V. C. Bouten, Klaus Eyer, Jurjen Tel
Summary: The study presents an automated microfluidic platform for real-time monitoring of cytotoxicity in effector-target cell interactions, revealing varying dynamics within the Natural Killer cell population and individual differences in effector functions. The platform's versatility allows for detailed study of immune cell interactions and identification of functional sub-populations, offering new avenues for both basic and translational research.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
You-Ru Jhou, Chih-Hung Wang, Huey-Pin Tsai, Yan-Shen Shan, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: An integrated microfluidic platform utilizing real-time reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification was developed for detection and quantification of three genes of SARS-CoV-2, providing a useful tool for COVID-19 diagnostics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Zengyou Wu, Kun Peng, Yin Zhang, Mei Wang, Cheng Yong, Ling Chen, Ping Qu, Hongying Huang, Enhui Sun, Mingzhu Pan
Summary: Lignocellulose utilization is gaining attention worldwide due to its abundance and renewability. Biological pretreatment, with its mild reaction conditions and environmentally friendly characteristics, effectively targets the complex structures within lignocellulose. This comprehensive review analyzes the hierarchical structure of cell wall and the cross-linked network between cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It highlights β-aryl ether cracking as a key process for lignin degradation. The review explores the impact of biological pretreatments, such as fungi, bacteria, microbial consortium, and enzymes, on substrate structure and degradation efficiency. Combining biological pretreatment with other methods can reduce the process time and enhance lignocellulose dissociation efficiency. The review also summarizes the various applications of lignocellulose, such as fuel production and chemicals platform, which can alleviate energy pressure through bioconversion. Future research should focus on genetic engineering and other technologies to improve biotransformation efficiency.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jian Peng, Ning Zhao, Shuo Lin, Wei Wang, Mao-Jie Zhang, Yao-Yao Su, Rui Xie, Xiao-Jie Ju, Zhuang Liu, Liang-Yin Chu
Summary: The SMAW microfluidic analogue of Wheatstone-bridge is a high-performance detector that enables real-time continuous detection with ultra-high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. By efficiently converting and amplifying the volume changes of microgel induced by trace analytes in microflows, this system outputs easily measurable flow width changes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Thomas A. Leonard, Martin Loose, Sascha Martens
Summary: Membranes are essential for life as they define cells and organelles as semi-permeable boundaries. They not only confine proteins and align reaction partners, but also directly control enzymatic activities in biochemical reaction networks. Membrane-localized reactions shape cellular membranes, compartmentalize processes, and create signaling gradients.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mehmet Senel, Amal Alachkar
Summary: A novel lab-in-a-pencil graphite microfluidic sensing electrode (mu FSE) was fabricated for real-time flow injection measurement of the antipsychotic drug clozapine (Clz), using a simple, low-cost, and reusable method. The mu FSE has tubular geometry with 800 mu m diameter, providing fast and effective Clz detection with good sensitivity and detection limit.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Katharina Lieberth, Aristea Pavlou, Daria Harig, Paul W. M. Blom, Paschalis Gkoupidenis, Fabrizio Torricelli
Summary: Cellular barriers play a crucial role in controlling physiological functions in animals and plants. Organic electrochemical transistors offer a promising platform for real-time monitoring of barrier functionality. The proposed dynamic-mode current-driven organic electrochemical transistors enable direct and real-time monitoring of cellular barriers.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiao Zeng, Chun-Dong Xue, Ke-Jie Chen, Yong-Jiang Li, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: This article proposes a deep neural network-assisted scalar imaging velocimetry (DNN-SIV) method for quick and precise measurement of fluid velocity in microchannels. By using physics-informed neural networks and residual neural networks, this method can robustly handle noise in the measured scalar field and achieve real-time flow visualization. Furthermore, the fundamental importance of rational construction of concentration field is emphasized.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yunong Yang, Yongjiang Li, Miao Yu, Chundong Xue, Bo Liu, Yanxia Wang, Kairong Qin
Summary: This study developed a passive pump-assisted microfluidic assay to quantify endothelial wound healing in response to fluid shear stress. The method was validated using numerical simulations and fluorescein experiments, and the acceleration of wound healing under shear stress was observed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chundong Xue, Yirong Huang, Xu Zheng, Guoqing Hu
Summary: This study investigates the diffusion behavior of nanoparticles in porous hydrogels through experiments and simulations. The results reveal that nanoparticles can escape from pores through connective pathways and exhibit a non-Gaussian displacement probability distribution. The anomalous diffusion can be fully described by combining the hopping mechanism and the hydrodynamic effect.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Chun-Dong Xue, Heng-Chao Qu, Guo-Shuang Zheng, Kai-Rong Qin, De-Wei Zhao
Summary: This study experimentally investigates the diffusion of nanoparticles in model porous media and reveals the heterogeneous and spatially dependent mobility, as well as the significant hydrodynamic damping effect. The concept of ergodicity breaking is used to explain the non-Gaussian displacement probability distributions. The research also finds that interstitial viscosity only temporarily affects heterogeneity and does not modify the intrinsic non-ergodicity of the porous media.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jing-Tong Na, Chun-Dong Xue, Yan-Xia Wang, Yong-Jiang Li, Yu Wang, Bo Liu, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: Generating precise in vivo arterial endothelial hemodynamic microenvironments using microfluidics is crucial for investigating endothelial mechanobiology. This study proposes a hemodynamic similarity principle to obtain the input impedance of the microfluidic system in vitro from that of the arterial system in vivo, allowing for the precise generation of desired endothelial hemodynamic microenvironments.
Article
Biology
Xiao Zeng, Chun-Dong Xue, Yong-Jiang Li, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are influenced by dynamic wall shear stress (WSS) induced by blood flow, and the intracellular nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in endothelial functions under this stress. In this study, a mathematical model of intracellular NO and ROS dynamics activated by dynamic WSS based on in vitro cell experiments is developed. The mechanism is elucidated that WSS induced by moderate-intensity exercise is most favorable to NO production in ECs.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guoshuang Zheng, Chundong Xue, Fang Cao, Minghui Hu, Maoyuan Li, Hui Xie, Weiting Yu, Dewei Zhao
Summary: In this study, an alginate/collagen (ALG/COL) hybrid hydrogel with different guluronate/mannuronate acid ratios was developed. The mechanical stiffness of the hydrogel was significantly affected by the G/M ratios of alginate. Chondrocytes cultured on the Mid-G/M hydrogels exhibited better viability and phenotype preservation.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Xianmeng Wang, Na Li, Zhengyao Zhang, Kairong Qin, Hangyu Zhang, Shuai Shao, Bo Liu
Summary: This study utilized polydimethylsiloxane stamps with specific shapes to change the arrangement of actin filaments and distribution of focal adhesions (FAs) in live cells. The concept of information entropy was introduced to quantify the order degree of actin filaments and membrane tension. The results showed significant changes in actin filaments' arrangement and FAs' distribution, which further regulated membrane tension. Actin filaments acted as shock absorbers to cushion the alternation in membrane tension without changing the steady state plasma membrane tension.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Shan-Shan Li, Chun-Dong Xue, Yong-Jiang Li, Xiao-Ming Chen, Yan Zhao, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: This paper provides an overview of recent advances in microfluidic analysis and detection systems for single-cell biophysical properties and their applications in cancer research. The importance of electrical and mechanical properties is highlighted, and the development of data acquisition and processing methods is discussed. The potential for utilizing single-cell biophysical properties for tumor cell identification, classification, and drug response assessment is outlined.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Heng-Chao Qu, Yi Yang, Zhi-Chao Cui, Dong Wang, Chun-Dong Xue, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: In this study, a temperature-regulated model was constructed to investigate the diffusion of nanoparticles in complex physiological media. The results showed that as the temperature increased, the diffusion speed of nanoparticles increased and the non-Gaussian characteristics were enhanced.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jia-Ming Zhao, Yi-Fan Yin, Jie Liu, Yong-Jiang Li, Yu Wang, Chun-Dong Xue, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: This paper proposes a novel on-chip flow generator with multi-pattern outputs, which has the obvious advantages of small size, simple structure, and being easy to be implemented. The fluid flow is synergistically driven by the constant pressure and the alternating pressure in a pair of conical channels. Different flow modes can be achieved by modulating the input voltage, including steady flow, oscillatory flow, pulsatile flow, and complex flow. This flow generator can be flexibly integrated with other on-chip devices for various biomedical applications.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Miao Yu, Yong-Jiang Li, Yu-Nong Yang, Chun-Dong Xue, Gui-Yang Xin, Bo Liu, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: Microfluidic array is proposed to quantitatively and consistently apply identical biochemical stimulating signals to each trapped cell. The optimized device shows high trapping success rate and efficiency, and is capable of delivering identical dynamic biochemical stimulating signals to each unit. The study also examines the cellular calcium dynamics in response to ATP signals.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Siyu Hu, Tianmian Liu, Chundong Xue, Yongjiang Li, Yunong Yang, Xing Xu, Bo Liu, Xiaoming Chen, Yan Zhao, Kairong Qin
Summary: This study developed a high-throughput microfluidic device based on the Wheatstone bridge principle for characterizing the mechanical properties of single cells. The results showed that the input flow rate had little effect on measuring the mechanical properties of the cells, while the ratio of cell radius to effective constriction radius was different.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chun-Dong Xue, Zhou-Yi Zheng, Guo-Shuang Zheng, De-Wei Zhao, Kai-Rong Qin
Summary: Flow instability in confined cavities is important in various natural and engineering processes. This study experimentally investigates the flow of dilute polymer solutions in confined microfluidic cavities and quantitatively characterizes the evolution of the recirculating vortex. The geometry of the cavity has little effect on the vortex evolution, providing insights into the interaction and competition among inertial, elastic, and shear-thinning effects in these cavity-induced flow instabilities.
