Article
Biophysics
Michelle F. Kilb, Victoria Engemann, Asma Siddique, Robert W. Stark, Katja Schmitz
Summary: Inflammatory chemokines drive the directed migration of immune cells to the site of injury through the formation of chemokine gradients, with cells responding to both soluble and immobilised gradients. Microfluidic devices can generate stable gradients for the analysis of cell migration.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Majid Gholinejad, Ali Jabari Moghadam, Seyed Ali Mousavi Shaegh
Summary: This study investigates the governing parameters of ion concentration polarization (ICP) and their effect on the preconcentration behavior of charged analytes. The results show that different electric fields can change the accumulation patterns of preconcentrated analytes. In addition, the buffer concentration only affects the enrichment factor without influencing the pattern of preconcentrated analytes.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Yupan Wu, Yingqi Meng
Summary: This paper reviews emerging tools enabled by microfluidic technologies for cell manipulation, including sorting and single cell trapping, and even single cell characterization. The focus is on electric field, mechanical, and fluorescence-based methods for single cell analysis and characterization, as well as the integrated microfluidic devices. The authors further discuss future commercialization and research prospects, highlight current bottlenecks, and provide their perspective on the prospects for microfluidic cell manipulation.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Xiaoqing Tang, Qiang Huang, Tatsuo Arai, Xiaoming Liu
Summary: Cell pairing at the single-cell level is crucial for biological research. Laboratory chips based on microfluidics offer high efficiency and good biocompatibility for trapping and analyzing cells. The cell pairing technology in microfluidic devices provides a highly controlled approach for studying cellular interactions and cell heterogeneity.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Scott A. Baldwin, Shawn M. Van Bruggen, Joseph M. Koelbl, Ravikanth Appalabhotla, James E. Bear, Jason M. Haugh
Summary: Microfluidics approaches have been popular in studying directed cell migration, with challenges including environmental stability and predictability. A passive pumping strategy using paper was developed to address these challenges, enabling stable and predictable cell migration studies with higher throughput for single-cell analysis.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shaofei Shen, Fangjuan Zhang, Yali Zhang, Yi Li, Yanbing Niu, Long Pang, Jinyi Wang
Summary: A multiconcentration gradient generator was constructed to investigate the effect of different drug concentration gradients on cells. The results showed that chemotherapy drugs inhibited the growth of cancer cells, and hepatoma cells exhibited higher drug resistance. This device provides a simple and reliable platform for studying optimal dosages at the single-cell level and screening chemotherapy regimens.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lang Zhou, Reinaldo E. Alcalde, Jinzi Deng, Baltazar Zuniga, Robert A. Sanford, Bruce W. Fouke, Charles J. Werth
Summary: This study found that Shewanella oneidensis is able to reduce nitrate through chemotactic migration, but only in regions with lower bactericidal concentrations. Migration is inhibited in regions with higher bactericidal concentrations of antibiotics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Dian Anggraini, Nobutoshi Ota, Yigang Shen, Tao Tang, Yo Tanaka, Yoichiroh Hosokawa, Ming Li, Yaxiaer Yalikun
Summary: Single-cell analysis is crucial for understanding the functionality of cells, and single-cell cultivation plays a key role in this process. Microfluidic devices offer efficient and sensitive single-cell cultivation and real-time analysis, with diverse biological applications.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jake A. Penny, Rowan A. Lymbery, Jonathan P. Evans, Craig D. H. Sherman, Xavier A. Conlan
Summary: Differential sperm chemotaxis refers to variations in the chemotactic responses of sperm to egg (or female)-derived chemical attractants among male and female pairings. Microfluidic devices offer great potential for studying this complex gamete interaction, but there are challenges and potential solutions in its application.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dao-Ming Chang, Yi-Chung Tung
Summary: This paper presents an integrated approach to study the hypoxic response of cells under cyclic oxygen gradients using a microfluidic device. Real-time fluorescence imaging is used to observe the cellular response to the oxygen gradients. The results show that different types of cells have different hypoxic responses. This approach provides a useful scheme for studying hypoxic responses in vitro.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Julia R. Clapis, Mengqi Jonathan Fan, Michelle L. Kovarik
Summary: The study evaluated the role of electrostatic and van der Waals interactions in cell adhesion in PDMS microchannels coated with supported lipid bilayers, identifying conditions that resulted in minimal cell adhesion. Optimum results were obtained for a zwitterionic coating of pure egg phosphatidylcholine in low ionic strength buffer, and for zwitterionic bilayers or those with slight negative or moderate positive charge in rich growth medium. The presence of 10 g L-1 glucose in the cell suspension reduced cell adhesion, and under optimal conditions, all cells were consistently removed from the channels, demonstrating the utility of these coatings for whole-cell microfluidic assays.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Estibaliz Fernandez-Carro, Maricke Angenent, Tamara Gracia-Cazana, Yolanda Gilaberte, Clara Alcaine, Jesus Ciriza
Summary: Preclinical research is limited by the lack of adequate representation of human tissue environments, leading to inaccurate predictions of drug effects and target suitability. However, the development of skin-on-chip technology allows for dynamic 3D cultures that better resemble human physiology. Integration of vasculature, immune system, and microbiome in future skin-on-chip models, along with continuous monitoring of metabolic changes, could overcome current limitations and provide reliable results that mimic complex human skin.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xugen Chen, Likai Hou, Zhongqiang Zhang, Renyong Lin, Rong Lin, Chenggang Yan, Fubing Bao
Summary: Concentration gradient plays a crucial role in comparative analysis in the fields of biomedicine and chemistry. This study presents a simple microfluidic device that allows the encapsulation of soluble reagents with large-scale concentration gradients in nanoliter-scale water-in-oil droplets for comparative analysis. The concentration gradients can be easily adjusted by changing the flow rates of the coaxial channels. With this method, nanoliter-grade reagents can be prepared, reactions can be conducted, and analyses can be performed with higher concentration gradients and less sample consumption.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Paulo Henrique Maciel Buzzetti, Maiara Mitiko Taniguchi, Nayara de Souza Mendes, Renata Correa Vicentino, Jean Halison de Oliveira, Bento Pereira Cabral Junior, Marcos de Souza, Johny Paulo Monteiro, Emerson Marcelo Girotto
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic device based on serial dilution was developed to generate nonlinear concentration gradients for dyes and biomolecules. The device was mathematically described and statistically validated, showing reproducibility in experiments and agreement with computational fluid dynamics simulation. The applicability of the device was demonstrated by coupling it with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor, and the results were validated by fluorescence emissions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sheng Ye, Quanle Cao, Panxianzhi Ni, Shuting Xiong, Meng Zhong, Tun Yuan, Jing Shan, Jie Liang, Yujiang Fan, Xingdong Zhang
Summary: Cell migration is crucial for bioactive ceramics in bone induction, clinical application, and mechanism research. Traditional detection methods have limitations, but microfluidic chip technology provides a promising solution by simulating the human microenvironment with controlled fluid cycling. This study integrated bioactive ceramics into a microfluidic chip structure to create a ceramic microbridge microfluidic chip system and measured migration differences. By combining conventional detection methods with new biotechnology, the study found that the concentration gradients of ions and proteins on the microbridge materials directly influence cell migration behavior.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Junmin Lee, Aly Ung, Hanjun Kim, KangJu Lee, Hyun-Jong Cho, Praveen Bandaru, Samad Ahadian, Mehmet R. Dokmeci, Ali Khademhosseini
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that fusion of cancer cells with different cell types in the tumor microenvironment may contribute to the generation of metastasis-initiating cells. The role of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in fusion with cancer cells is still controversial. In this study, a liver-on-a-chip platform was used to investigate the fusion of liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) with hMSCs and their invasive potential. It was found that hMSCs may play dual roles in HepG2 spheroids, preventing HepG2 growth while also leading to the generation of highly invasive HepG2-hMSC hybrid cells. These hybrid cells expressed markers associated with stemness, proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and matrix deposition, and were responsible for collective invasion following HepG2.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Anant Bhusal, Elvan Dogan, Hai-Anh Nguyen, Olga Labutina, Daniel Nieto, Ali Khademhosseini, Amir K. Miri
Summary: This study developed a multi-material DLP-based bioprinter for rapid prototyping of hydrogel-based microfluidic chips. The optimized composite hydrogel bioink allows for a wide range of mechanical properties. The biofabrication approach offers a useful tool for integrating micro-tissue models into organs-on-chips and high-throughput drug screening platforms.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dayi Jeong, Jeong Wook Seo, Hong-Gu Lee, Woo Kyung Jung, Yong Ho Park, Hojae Bae
Summary: The interest in cultured meat is growing due to issues with conventional livestock industry. This study introduces 3D bioprinting for producing large cell aggregates for cultured meat production, and successfully creates scaffolds with living cells and large microchannels using bioinks.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Serge Ostrovidov, Murugan Ramalingam, Hojae Bae, Gorka Orive, Toshinori Fujie, Xuetao Shi, Hirokazu Kaji
Summary: With the advances in skeletal muscle tissue engineering, new platforms have emerged for biology studies, disease modeling, and drug testing. The authors review the latest advances in in vitro models of engineered skeletal muscle tissues used for drug testing, focusing on four main cell culture techniques: well plate cultures, microfluidics, organoids, and bioprinted constructs. More developments are expected to increase the validation and use of these models in drug testing.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Marvin Mecwan, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Alireza Hassani Najafabadi, Kalpana Mandal, Vadim Jucaud, Johnson V. John, Ali Khademhosseini
Summary: Researchers have successfully engineered a thermoresponsive shear-thinning hydrogel, composed of a thermoresponsive polymer and hemostatic silicate nanodisks, as an injectable hemostat. This hydrogel demonstrates rapid mechanical recovery and temperature-dependent blood coagulation, effectively preventing blood loss. It shows comparable efficacy to a commercially available hemostat and can be easily removed using a cold saline wash.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Kisoo Kim, Won Gu Lee
Summary: This article highlights the urgent demand for portable diagnostic systems to prevent and control pandemics globally, and the significance of smartphone-based portable diagnostic devices. It also emphasizes the role of deep learning algorithms in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and discusses the challenges and prospects of portable optical systems in screening COVID-19.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gang Ge, Kalpana Mandal, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Mengchen Li, Xiao Xiao, Larry Carlson, Vadim Jucaud, Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci, Ghim Wei Ho, Ali Khademhosseini
Summary: Adhesive materials have been receiving increasing attention for their excellent sealing ability. However, existing adhesives typically have weak adhesion strength and deteriorate in harsh environments. In this study, a novel ionogel with tunable mechanical properties is developed using a deep eutectic solvent as the medium for photopolymerization. The ionogel demonstrates fast gelation and bonding without external pressure, high adhesion in various environments, and wide applications in packaging, marine engineering, medical adhesives, and electronic assembly.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Pauline Cheng, Ahmad Rashad, Ankit Gangrade, Natan Roberto de Barros, Ali Khademhosseini, Jonathan Tam, Padmini Varadarajan, Devendra K. Agrawal, Finosh G. Thankam
Summary: Myocardial infarction leads to the loss of cardiomyocytes, but stem cell therapy shows promise in restoring cardiac function. This article discusses the application of different stem cell phenotypes and strategies to promote their differentiation into cardiomyocytes.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hossein Montazerian, Alireza Hassani Najafabadi, Elham Davoodi, Rasoul Seyedmahmoud, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Avijit Baidya, Wei Gao, Nasim Annabi, Ali Khademhosseini, Paul S. Weiss
Summary: Mussel-inspired catechol-functionalization of degradable natural biomaterials is proposed as a potential approach to achieve bioadhesion for sutureless wound closure. This approach involves a simple oxidative polymerization step before conjugation of catechol-carrying molecules to amplify catechol function in bioadhesion. The modified gelatin with poly(l-DOPA) moieties shows improved wound control and enhanced cohesion, surpassing commercial sealants, and also possesses photothermal responsiveness and antibacterial activity, making it an effective biomaterial design strategy for wound closure applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hossein Montazerian, Shameek Mitra, Alireza Hassani Najafabadi, Rasoul Seyedmahmoud, Yuting Zheng, Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci, Nasim Annabi, Ali Khademhosseini, Paul S. Weiss
Summary: Inspired by mussel adhesion, catechol functionalization has been widely used to impart adhesion to biomaterials. However, the bioadhesion capacity of catechol motifs in hydrogels that crosslink through free-radical-based systems is debated. This study reevaluates the bioadhesion efficacy of catechol functionalized gelatin biomolecules in methacryloyl-modified photo-cross-linkable biomaterials, and investigates the effects of catechol content on adhesion strength and hydrogel integrity. The cytotoxic and immunostimulatory effects of catechol groups are also evaluated for clinical applications.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kisoo Kim, Hyosill Yang, Jihun Lee, Won Gu Lee
Summary: This review critically examines the landscape and future applications of metaverse wearables toward immersive digital healthcare. Metaverse wearables, especially coupled with XR technology, will contribute to realizing a paradigm shift in everyday life by being applied to various healthcare fields, such as personalized occupational, educational, and home healthcare applications in the post-pandemic era.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Safoora Khosravi, Saeid Soltanian, Amir Servati, Ali Khademhosseini, Yangzhi Zhu, Peyman Servati
Summary: Wearable sweat biosensors embedded in textile substrates have gained attention for noninvasive monitoring of health parameters. A flexible electrochemical glucose sensor that can be screen-printed onto a textile substrate is demonstrated, achieving a linear response in the range of 20-1000μM of glucose concentration with high sensitivity and stability. These textile-based biosensors show high selectivity towards glucose and have the potential to impact the next generation of wearable devices.
Review
Automation & Control Systems
Baishali Kanjilal, Yangzhi Zhu, Vaishali Krishnadoss, Janitha M. M. Unagolla, Parnian Saemian, Alessia Caci, Danial Cheraghali, Iman Dehzangi, Ali Khademhosseini, Iman Noshadi
Summary: Ionic liquids (ILs) have unique properties that make them promising candidates for biomedical applications, but their cytocompatibility limitations are enhanced by using bioionic liquids (BILs) derived from biological molecules. BILs can be synthesized and immobilized onto biopolymers, and their functionalization enables the design of responsive actuators and sensors. The cytocompatibility of BIL-functionalized polymers also makes them suitable for power storage and implantable devices. This review focuses on the recent advances of BILs in biomedical applications, specifically their use as functionalization agents for biopolymers and solvents for supermolecular ionic networks.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bruna Gregatti Carvalho, Aya Nakayama, Hiromi Miwa, Sang Won Han, Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre, Dino Di Carlo, Junmin Lee, Han-Jun Kim, Ali Khademhosseini, Natan Roberto de Barros
Summary: A novel mRNA-releasing matrix based on GelMA microporous annealed particle scaffolds is reported. The sustained release of mRNA complexes achieves indirect intracellular delivery, while direct intracellular delivery is achieved by cell adhesion on the mRNA-releasing scaffolds. This hybrid system demonstrates efficient protein expression, offering potential for mRNA-releasing biomaterials in tissue engineering.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hossein Montazerian, Elham Davoodi, Avijit Baidya, Maryam Badv, Reihaneh Haghniaz, Arash Dalili, Abbas S. Milani, Mina Hoorfar, Nasim Annabi, Ali Khademhosseini, Paul S. Weiss
Summary: This review provides a biomacromolecular design roadmap for the development of tough adhesive surgical sealants. The intrinsic toughness and elasticity of polymers are achieved through the introduction of strong and dynamic inter- and intramolecular interactions, either through polymer chain design or the use of crosslink regulating additives. Efforts have also been made to promote underwater adhesion through covalent/noncovalent bonds and micro/macro-interlock mechanisms. The measurement and reporting requirements for fair comparisons of different materials and their properties are discussed.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2022)