Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yao Chen, Lin Jiang, Xiaozhe Zhang, Zhonghua Ni, Nan Xiang
Summary: This article introduces an efficient label-free sorting and mechanical phenotyping method for tumor cells, which utilizes a viscoelastic-sorting integrated deformability cytometer (VSDC) to sort, extract, and analyze the mechanical properties of tumor cells. Machine learning algorithms are used to distinguish tumor cells from white blood cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seyong Kwon, Jieung Oh, Min Seok Lee, Eujin Um, Joonwoo Jeong, Joo H. Kang
Summary: A hemolysis-free and highly efficient plasma separation platform has been developed using enhanced diamagnetic repulsion of blood cells. By supplementing blood with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, complete removal of blood cells from blood plasma is achieved, allowing for successful collection of plasma without losing plasma proteins, platelets, or exosomes.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuchen Dai, Haotian Cha, Michael J. Simmonds, Hedieh Fallahi, Hongjie An, Hang T. Ta, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Jun Zhang, Antony P. McNamee
Summary: This study investigates the effects of altering fluid viscoelasticity on blood plasma extraction. Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) was added to increase blood viscoelasticity, resulting in improved cell focusing performance. The optimal PEO concentration was found to be in the range of 100 to 200 ppm, and the optimal flow rate was determined to be between 1 and 15 mu L/min.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Evan Lammertse, Siran Li, Jude Kendall, Catherine Kim, Patrick Morris, Nissim Ranade, Dan Levy, Michael Wigler, Eric Brouzes
Summary: A simple method to magnetize hydrogel beads for automation of the split-pooling method in single-cell genomics has been developed, demonstrating increased yields and washing efficiencies. This approach opens the way to automation and improvement of single-cell genomic workflows.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhi-Xuan Lai, Chia-Chien Wu, Nien-Tsu Huang
Summary: This article introduces a microfluidic platform for on-chip plasma extraction directly from whole blood and in situ biomarker detection. By combining anti-D immunoglobulin-assisted sedimentation and membrane filtration, as well as using an embedded electrochemical sensor, rapid and high-purity plasma extraction and in situ CRP detection are achieved.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anamika Maurya, Janani Srree Murallidharan, Atul Sharma, Amit Agarwal
Summary: Significant advancements have been made in the field of diluted and whole blood plasma separation in the last two decades. Microfluidic devices with different geometries are used for this purpose, and a comparative analysis of these geometries is conducted to improve separation efficiency.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhenna Chen, Beibei Chen, Man He, Bin Hu
Summary: A negative magnetophoresis focusing microchip was developed and coupled to ICP-MS for single-cell analysis, achieving high sample throughput. Study on uptake behaviors revealed that MCF-7 cells exhibited more remarkable heterogeneity when treated with ZnO NPs, with lower uptake content compared to Zn2+.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shuang Chen, Zongqian Shi, Jiajia Sun, Shenli Jia, Mingjie Zhong, Yuxin Ma
Summary: Inertial microfluidic is a widely applied technology that uses inertial lift force and Dean Vortices to manipulate particles or bio-samples. This study introduces a split-recombination microchannel for high flow rate particle focusing and separation, utilizing the combined effects of inertial lift force, curvature-induced Dean drag force, and the structure of split and recombination. The designed microchannel not only enhances particle focusing but also enables the separation of different-sized particles with high throughput.
JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tuan Ngoc Anh Vo, Pin-Chuan Chen, Pai-Shan Chen, Wei-Hsiu Liu
Summary: An integrated microfluidics was developed to extract blood plasma from only 4 mu L whole blood, achieving a high efficiency of 97% in just 3 minutes. The use of a pneumatic peristaltic micropump enabled a flow rate of 3500 mu L/min, comparable to a commercial external syringe pump. Adequate applied pressure was shown to be critical for maintaining efficient pumping and minimizing dead volume.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shaofei Shen, Hanjie Bai, Xin Wang, Henryk Chan, Yanbing Niu, Weiwen Li, Chang Tian, Xiaoping Li
Summary: This study introduces a microfluidic technology that enables the control of secondary flow for high-throughput isolation of blood for plasma extraction and effective separation of blood cells of different sizes. The technology is characterized by simplicity in fabrication, ease of operation, insensitivity to cell size, high throughput, and separation efficiency.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Amirhossein Mehran, Peyman Rostami, Mohammad Said Saidi, Bahar Firoozabadi, Navid Kashaninejad
Summary: The study introduces a passive, label-free microfluidic device with a unique U-shaped cross-section for rapid and high-efficiency isolation of white blood cells (WBCs) from whole blood. This method demonstrates high throughput, purity, and capacity for WBC isolation without the need for centrifugation, RBC lysis, cell biomarkers, or chemical pre-treatments, making it ideal for downstream cell study platforms.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fengtao Jiang, Nan Xiang
Summary: This paper presents the development of a novel handheld sorter with a multifunction integrated microfluidic chip for point-of-care diagnosis in resource-limited settings. The sorter utilizes a spiral inertial microfluidic channel and flow regulators for size-based cell separation. The prototype of the sorter successfully separates malignant tumor cells from clinical pleural effusions. The device is simple to use, inexpensive, portable, and compact, making it suitable for high-throughput label-free cell separation in resource-limited areas.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanfang Guan, Xiaoliang Wang, Guangyu Liu, Wujie Li, Kun Zhang, Baoshuo Sun, Feifan Shi, Yanbo Hui, Bingsheng Yan, Jie Xu, Zaihui Wu, Zhiyong Duan, Ronghan Wei
Summary: This study introduces 2D and 3D platforms driven by BAW and LCBE in liquid crystal solutions for efficient microparticle manipulation, allowing for precise control of microparticles and alteration of their moving direction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vahid Omrani, Mohammad Zabetian Targhi, Fatemeh Rahbarizadeh, Reza Nosrati
Summary: Cell focusing using microfluidic chips is an effective method for enriching circulating tumor cells (CTCs), providing important genetic data for cancer staging and treatment. In this study, we demonstrate high throughput isolation of CTCs and white blood cells (WBCs) using a passive, size-based, label-free microfluidic device based on hydrodynamic forces.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yalin Li, Yan Wang, Keming Wan, Mingxue Wu, Lei Guo, Xiaomin Liu, Gang Wei
Summary: This review summarizes the recent progress of dielectrophoresis (DEP) technology in biomedical applications, including the design and functional tailoring of DEP systems, as well as representative biomedical application examples. The article aims to provide new ideas for designing novel high-throughput DEP micro/nanoplatforms.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Genis Rabost-Garcia, Josep Farre-Llados, Jasmina Casals-Terre
Summary: Skin models provide a cost-effective and ethical alternative to human trials, with perspiration models becoming increasingly relevant due to advancements in sweat analysis and wearable technology. However, replicating key features of perspiration, such as sweat gland dimensions, remains challenging and further research is needed to develop a standardized and accurate model for testing wearable sensors.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Pouya Mehrdel, Shadi Karimi, Josep Farre-LLados, Jasmina Casals-Terre
Summary: The miniaturized 3D-printed device serves as a low-cost sensor for compositional analysis of buffered and non-buffered solutions in industrial or remote areas. It utilizes transport phenomenon and colorimetric measurements to simultaneously detect ionic strength and pH of the solution. The design is adaptable and cost-effective, providing successful evaluation of important chemical characteristics.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jasmina Casals-Terre
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Enric Perarnau Olle, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Joan Antoni Lopez Martinez, Josep Farre-Llados
Summary: Polymeric materials are commonly used for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to their selectivity, which is based on their chemical affinity with organic solvents. The addition of conductive nanoparticles to polymer layers has been found to improve sensitivity. This study proposes a methodology to assess the selectivity of pristine and hybrid polymer nanocomposites using the Hansen solubility parameters. The addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to thin polydimethylsiloxane films significantly improved sensitivity and classification of non-polar analytes.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Oriol Caro-Perez, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Maria Blanca Roncero
Summary: Electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) devices are effective tools for precise microfluidic manipulation and versatile liquid lenses. However, their fabrication faces challenges in scalability and environmental impact. This review analyzes the materials used in EWOD devices and their required characteristics, and discusses future challenges, particularly the environmental issues associated with current materials.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hamid Khosravi, Pouya Mehrdel, Joan Antoni Lopez Martinez, Jasmina Casals-Terre
Summary: The study explores the impact of different cellulose substrates on the performance of diffusion-based sensors, finding that papers with larger pore sizes and lower basis weights have better sensitivity and faster response. The designed sensor can be used to quantitatively measure the ionic concentration of commercial wines rapidly and accurately, without the need for additional equipment or trained personnel.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jasmina Casals-Terre, Lluis Pradell, Julio Cesar Heredia, Flavio Giacomozzi, Jacopo Iannacci, Adrian Contreras, Miquel Ribo
Summary: In this paper, new configurations of suspended-membrane double-ohmic-contact RF-MEMS switches are proposed. These switches feature optimized double-diagonal beam suspensions with either two or three anchoring points, minimizing membrane deformation and increasing stiffness. The devices are integrated in a coplanar-waveguide transmission structure and exhibit excellent performance in terms of insertion loss and isolation, comparable to simulated and measured results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Genis Rabost-Garcia, Valeria Colmena, Javier Aguilar-Toran, Joan Vieyra Gali, Jaime Punter-Villagrasa, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Pere Miribel-Catala, Xavier Munoz, Joan Cadefau, Josep Padulles, Daniel Brotons Cuixart
Summary: Many sweat-based wearable monitoring systems have been proposed, but their data often lack a reliable relationship with standardized blood values. This study proposes a multiparametric methodology using non-invasive independent sensors to predict blood lactate levels from sweat lactate, sweat rate, and heart rate. The methodology accurately predicts blood lactate absolute values, with a minimal accumulated error compared to portable blood lactate meters.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anatolii Makhinia, Pooya Azizian, Valerio Beni, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Joan M. Cabot, Peter Andersson Ersman
Summary: Microfluidic surface chemistry allows for control of capillary-driven flow without bulky external instrumentation. A novel nonhomogeneous coating is used to define regions with different wetting properties on microchannel walls, leading to different capillary pressures and automatic flow control. This method employs inkjet printing to deposit hydrophilic coatings on the surfaces of 3D-printed microfluidic devices, enabling capillary flow control in 3D-printed microfluidics for the first time. The method is further utilized to create stop and delay valves and integrated with organic electrochemical transistors for sensing applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pooya Azizian, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Elena Guerrero-SanVicente, Ruta Grinyte, Jordi Ricart, Joan M. Cabot
Summary: Microfluidics technology is used to enhance the performance of analytical techniques. We present a capillary-driven microfluidic device that improves the sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassays by offering an automated washing step. The device utilizes a 3D-printed multilevel microfluidic chip and quantitatively measures cortisol levels to demonstrate its efficacy.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hamid Khosravi, Oscar Carreras-Gallo, Jasmina Casals-Terre
Summary: This study proposes the use of waste mill scale from the steel production industry to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles for enhancing the range of a lactate biosensor. The synthesized nanoparticles were coated with polydopamine for stability and immobilized with lactate oxidase enzyme. The biosensor exhibited a dual linear concentration response range, making it suitable for various applications.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Pooya Azizian, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Jordi Ricart, Joan M. Cabot
Summary: Decentralized diagnostics has been advancing towards rapid and cost-effective testing at the point-of-care. Microfluidics has played a key role in this, but the need for robust peripheral equipment has been a limiting factor. However, with advancements in manufacturing technologies and the use of 3D features and surface chemistry, capillary valves have become a powerful tool for point-of-care applications.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Josep Farre-Llados, Lars G. Westerberg, Jasmina Casals-Terre, Johan Leckner, Rene Westbroek
Summary: The flow dynamics of polymer greases were studied and compared to lithium-based greases. It was found that the internal structure and oil release ability of greases have a strong influence on their deformation and flow, leading to different lubricating abilities.