Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Guangxing Wu, Serene Wen Ling Ng, Yan Zhou, Minghui Hong
Summary: Optical microscopic techniques are crucial for observing and extracting dynamic information from micro/nano-scale samples in microfluidic devices in biology and chemistry fields. However, current microfluidic imaging schemes face challenges in achieving high spatial and temporal resolutions simultaneously. The emergence of microsphere nanoscope offers a potential solution to address these challenges, with its high spatial resolution, real-time imaging abilities, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, a microsphere compound lens integrated microfluidic imaging device is proposed for real-time super-resolution imaging. The device exhibits superiority over single microsphere and conventional optical microscopes in discerning nano-objects beyond the diffraction limit and generating magnified images. Additionally, the device is experimentally demonstrated to be applicable in nanoparticle tracing and live-cell monitoring.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fang Cao, Xupeng Zhao, Xiaoqing Lv, Liangchen Hu, Wenhui Jiang, Feng Yang, Li Chi, Pengying Chang, Chen Xu, Yiyang Xie
Summary: The work introduces a LSPR sensor chip integrated with VCSELs, which utilizes a hexagonal gold nanoparticle array and AAO mask for sensitivity testing of refractive index solutions, showing potential for biomolecular detection applications.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Yu-Jia Wei, Ya-Nan Zhao, Xuan Zhang, Xing Wei, Ming-Li Chen, Xu-Wei Chen
Summary: Nowadays, biochemical analysis, such as cell analysis, disease diagnosis and treatment, environmental monitoring, and food safety, is receiving increasing attention. Optically integrated microfluidic technology combines the benefits of high sensitivity, fast detection, and excellent selectivity. By utilizing flexible optical detection techniques and precisely-controlled fluidics, microfluidic chips enable high throughput analysis, reduced reagent consumption, and decreased assay expenditure. This review introduces the integration of microfluidic chips with various optical detection techniques and their applications in biochemical analysis, and also discusses the future prospects of optically integrated microfluidic chips.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sufian Rasheed, Muhammad Anwar ul Haq, Naseer Ahmad, Dilshad Sirajuddin, Dilshad Hussain
Summary: This work presents a new colorimetric sensor that can rapidly, sensitively, and selectively detect permethrin using metronidazole-stabilized silver nanoparticles (MTZ-AgNPs). The sensor has a limit of detection (LOD) and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.0104 μM and 0.0348 μM, respectively. It has been successfully integrated with smartphone and microfluidic fabrication of paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) for real-time and on-site detection of permethrin.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Saichon Sumantakul, Vincent T. Remcho
Summary: This work presents a novel method for fabricating enclosed channel porous-media microfluidic analytical devices using selective laser ablation. By sandwiching a porous material between polymeric films and selectively ablating the porous substrate, microfluidic structures can be easily created within the devices. The method is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of porous materials and polymeric films, resulting in enclosed microfluidic devices with different fluid flow characteristics. The fabricated devices demonstrated their utility in quantitative assays for albumin, glucose, and cholesterol in human serum. This unique and scalable method not only provides protection against contamination and fluid evaporation, but also offers a commercial fabrication approach for porous-media analytical devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Zhou, Wei He, Hui Liu, Cheng Zhi Huang
Summary: Studying the energy flow and excited charge carriers in plasmonic nanoparticle-adsorbate systems revealed the critical role of dissolved oxygen molecules in activating the oxidation reaction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Xu, Fangjie Qi, Huachao Mao, Songwei Li, Yizhen Zhu, Jingwen Gong, Lu Wang, Noah Malmstadt, Yong Chen
Summary: This paper presents a general, high-resolution, and low-cost 3D printing process to solve the critical challenge in microfluidic device fabrication. The method achieves high accuracy and efficiency, and is compatible with commonly used light sources and photocurable resins. The verification through multifunctional devices demonstrates the reliability and feasibility of this approach.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
K. Srivastava, N. D. Boyle, G. T. Flaman, B. Ramaswami, A. van den Berg, W. van der Stam, I. J. Burgess, M. Odijk
Summary: Determining kinetic reaction parameters is crucial in chemical reaction engineering. Existing methods lack sufficient spatiotemporal resolution. This study demonstrates the use of a custom-designed single-bounce ATR-integrated microfluidic reactor, along with synchrotron IR radiation, to achieve in situ monitoring of chemical reactions with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiguang Zhang, Fuqiang Chu, Xin Wang, Xu Zhou, Guirong Xiong
Summary: A microfluidic system was developed to create PDMS microspheres with controlled shape, surface smoothness, and size. These microspheres exhibited excellent optical properties and elasticity, enabling them to function as individual microlenses. The focal length of the microlenses could be easily adjusted by applying forces to the beads. For MLA applications, a microlens array could be constructed simply by assembling monodisperse PDMS beads.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanzhao Wu, Xiaoyang Yue, Jiajie Fan, Xiaoming Hao, Quanjun Xiang
Summary: In this study, a novel plasma-enhanced Bi/CsPbBr3 composite photocatalyst was developed using an in situ growth method. The CO2 reduction activity of this catalyst was significantly higher than that of pure CsPbBr3 due to the enhanced light response performance, simultaneous generation of hot electrons, and energy band bending effect at the interface.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shun Uji, Shunsuke Kimura, Kazuki Nakamura, Norihisa Kobayashi
Summary: We studied a multicolor electrochromic (EC) device that uses silver (Ag) deposition and is able to reversibly represent multiple colors. The coloration of the device is based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). In this study, dark-field microscopy (DFM) was used for the first time to observe the changes in LSPR of AgNPs during the coloration process of the EC device. The obtained light scattering spectra provide detailed information on the LSPR induced by AgNPs in comparison with conventional absorption spectrum measurements.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jun Kim, Naseem Abbas, Seongmin Lee, Jeongwoo Yeom, Md Ali Asgar, Mohsin Ali Badshah, Xun Lu, Young Kyu Kim, Seok-Min Kim
Summary: This study proposes a simple and cost-effective method for fabricating metal-enhanced fluorescence substrates using plasmonic nanoantenna arrays. By depositing a silver layer on a nanoimprinted nanodot array, a PNAA is formed with controlled Ag thickness to adjust its geometrical properties. Experimental results confirm the simulated data showing enhanced fluorescence signals.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhengtai Ma, Xiaoqing Lv, Weihao Fang, Hongda Chen, Weihua Pei, Zhaoxin Geng
Summary: A nanoplasmonic biosensor with label-free and rapid detection capabilities was developed in this study. The biosensor, integrated with micro-fluidics and multiple sensing units, showed good performance in the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The simultaneous detection results in serum samples from breast cancer patients were consistent with the results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Adam Shebindu, Himali Somaweera, Zachary Estlack, Jungtae Kim, Jungkyu Kim
Summary: This study introduces a programmable microfluidic platform (PMP) combined with isotachophoresis (ITP) for fully automated optimization of multiple analytes. By utilizing lifting-gate microvalve technology, a two-dimensional microvalve array was designed and fabricated to seamlessly integrate with an ITP chip for automated buffer selection and repetitive ITP procedures. The optimal buffer combination of 40mM borate and 100mM Tris-HCl successfully preconcentrated all analytes during a single ITP run.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Esma Dervisevic, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Gail Risbridger, Kellie L. Tuck, Victor J. Cadarso
Summary: Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an essential signaling molecule in mammalian cells, and its intracellular and/or extracellular concentrations need to be monitored for a comprehensive understanding of its function. This paper demonstrates a new integrated microfluidic device capable of colorimetric detection of extracellular H2O2, which overcomes the limitations of current techniques. The device has high sensitivity and a low detection limit, allowing for the continuous monitoring of cell-released metabolites without constant human supervision.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Pratima Labroo, Scott Ho, Himanshu Sant, Jill E. Shea, Jayant Agarwal, Bruce Gale
Summary: By developing a mathematical model and conducting experimental validation, the diffusion of drugs in a hole-based drug delivery nerve conduit was successfully studied, with results indicating the reliability and functionality of the model. It was observed that drug release in the conduit can be tuned by changing device parameters, with the model error being less than 10%.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Harikrishnan Jayamohan, Christopher J. Lambert, Himanshu J. Sant, Alexander Jafek, Dhruv Patel, Haidong Feng, Michael Beeman, Tawsif Mahmood, Ugochukwu Nze, Bruce K. Gale
Summary: The unprecedented global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has pushed the limits of modern viral diagnostics, highlighting both the advantages and limitations of current technologies while prompting efforts to expand diagnostic capacity. Key observations in functionality of current SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic methods have been put forth, with emphasis on critical aspects such as sample collection, testing models, and commercial responses. Integrated nature of assays is stressed, where issues in sample collection and preparation could impact overall performance in a clinical setting.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Farhad Shiri, Bruce K. Gale, Himanshu Sant, Brody King, Gina T. Bardi, Joshua L. Hood, Kevin E. Petersen
Summary: A new high-volume, continuous particle separation device based on size and charge has been developed, showing improved particle separations over traditional devices. This new technique combines electrical and flow fields into a single device, streamlining high-throughput continuous separations based upon electrophoretic mobility.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kevin Petersen, Farhad Shiri, Tonguc Onur Tasci, Himanshu Sant, Joshua Hood, Bruce Gale
Summary: The simulation of a novel Fl-El-SPLITT separation device was described and validated using existing theory and experimentation for the first time. The simulation accurately predicted the experimentally obtained transition points and trends seen in AC testing, showing the influence of DC, AC, and crossflows on the separation of polystyrene particles.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
John Nelson, Dev Patel, Himanshu J. Sant, Jill Shea, Bruce K. Gale, Jay Agarwal
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between vessel wall compression and friction fit strength to ensure reducing coupler size would not increase the risk of failure. Results showed that different compressive strains and materials can impact the strength of friction fit under varying conditions.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Susan Wojtalewicz, Jonathon Vizmeg, Sierra Erickson, Caleb Lade, Jill Shea, Himanshu Sant, Jules Magda, Bruce Gale, Jayant Agarwal, Brett Davis
Summary: This study evaluated the material properties of a novel local anesthetic delivery system for controlled release of bupivacaine for 72 hours. The results showed that hot homogenized particles had a slower and more controlled release, and hyaluronic acid hydrogel was important for lowering injection forces and minimizing clogging events.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Farhad Shiri, Haidong Feng, Kevin E. Petersen, Himanshu Sant, Gina T. Bardi, Luke A. Schroeder, Michael L. Merchant, Bruce K. Gale, Joshua L. Hood
Summary: Nanoscale and microscale cell-derived extracellular vesicles types and subtypes have significant importance in biology and medicine. Researchers have developed a miniaturized device that uses elasto-inertial effect to separate different types of extracellular vesicles, which can be applied in microfluidic applications. The device has successfully re-isolated and recovered extracellular vesicles in the experiment.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Haidong Feng, Alexander R. Jafek, Bonan Wang, Hayden Brady, Jules J. Magda, Bruce K. Gale
Summary: This paper studies particle focusing in viscoelastic flow and predicts the focusing position by analyzing the force balance. The research finds that particle separation resolution can be improved in viscoelastic flows.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dhruv Patel, Harikrishnan Jayamohan, Ugochukwu Nze, Christopher Lambert, Haidong Feng, Tawsif Mahmood, Bruce Gale, Himanshu Sant
Summary: Pathogen detection in food is crucial for community health and economic impact. Current detection systems face challenges in pathogen extraction and release from food matrices. This study introduces a method combining stomaching with cavitation to enhance pathogen extraction from ground beef and improve downstream detection of E. coli O157:H7.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haidong Feng, Dhruv Patel, Jules J. Magda, Sage Geher, Paul A. Sigala, Bruce K. Gale
Summary: This paper observes the transition from single-stream focusing to multiple-stream focusing in high viscoelastic flow and investigates the influence of cell physical properties on the formation of multiple-streams focusing. Particle separation based on different criteria is achieved, and it demonstrates the feasibility of separating red and white blood cells as well as malaria-infected red blood cells using this method.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiqiang Tan, Weichen Zhao, Yongguang Yin, Ming Xu, Wenxiao Pan, Yanwanjing Liu, Qinghua Zhang, Bruce K. Gale, Yukui Rui, Jingfu Liu
Summary: This study evaluated the separation ability of biased cyclical electrical field-flow fractionation (BCyElFFF) for polyvinyl pyrrolidone-coated and poly(ethylene glycol)-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different electrophoretic mobilities, and elucidated the mechanism behind the formation of NOM corona on these AgNP surfaces. Furthermore, it was observed that the survival rates of E. coli exposed to AgNPs with or without NOM corona collected during repeated BCyElFFF runs increased with increasing NOM concentration, indicating the negative effect of NOM coronas on the bioavailability of AgNPs. These findings highlight the powerful capability of BCyElFFF in studying the fate and transformation of nanoparticles in aqueous environments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rostislav Bukasov, Alisher Sultangaziyev, Zhanar Kunushpayeva, Alisher Rapikov, Dina Dossym
Summary: The first application of aluminum foil as a low-cost/high-availability substrate for sandwich immunoassay using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is reported. It showed comparable limits of detection (LODs) for tuberculosis biomarker MPT64 with traditional sandwich ELISA using gold film, but with a large cost/availability advantage. Furthermore, it exhibited better selectivity and lower nonspecific response compared to gold film in human immunoglobulin (hIgG) assays.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christopher J. Lambert, Harikrishnan Jayamohan, Bruce K. Gale, Lars B. Laurentius, Dhruv Patel, Madison Hansen, Tawsif Mahmood, Himanshu Jayant Sant
Summary: This study presents an electrochemical immunoassay-based method for the precise, simple, quick, and cost-effective detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. By immunomagnetic capture of the protein in nasal samples, followed by electrochemical detection using gold nanoparticle labels on a screen-printed carbon electrode, the researchers determined optimal conditions to maximize the electrochemical signal and successfully detected the nucleocapsid protein in SARS-CoV-2-positive samples with a low viral load.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Matt D. Nelson, Brady L. Goenner, Bruce K. Gale
Summary: ChatGPT is a generative AI model that has attracted significant attention due to its advanced reasoning and analysis capabilities. It can solve various problems by creating and debugging code. In this study, GPT-4 was utilized to design functional microfluidic components using the open-source CAD software OpenSCAD through iterative dialogue. This concept has the potential to advance CAD usage for both technical and non-technical users and can be extended to other fields.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Haidong Feng, Alex Jafek, Raheel Samuel, James Hotaling, Timothy G. Jenkins, Kenneth I. Aston, Bruce K. Gale
Summary: A high recovery, high throughput sperm separation process is proposed for clinical biopsy sperm retrieval, achieving a 95.6% sperm recovery with 87.4% removal of non-sperm cells. The chance of finding sperm in treated samples increases by 8.2 fold, supporting the development of a rapid biopsy sperm sorting process. The mechanism can also be applied for high-efficiency separation of non-spherical particles in general.
