Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolan Su, Jianhua Yang, Huiling Yuan, Cui Liu, Ran Tu, Pi Liu, Qinhong Wang, Leilei Zhu
Summary: Laccases are attractive biocatalysts for industry due to their broad substrate spectrum and use of oxygen as the final electron acceptor. In this study, a droplet-based microfluidic screening system was used to identify laccase variants with enhanced thermotolerance. Molecular dynamic simulations revealed that these variants had increased thermostability due to more hydrogen bonds compared to the wild type.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ariane Stucki, Jaicy Vallapurackal, Thomas R. Ward, Petra S. Dittrich
Summary: Evolution is crucial for the generation of complexity and life, shaping the world over billions of years. While natural evolution is slow and gradual, directed evolution allows for faster optimization of phenotype. The development of versatile tools based on droplet microfluidics has improved the efficiency of enzyme discovery and optimization.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mikihisa Muta, Wataru Kawakubo, Dong Hyun Yoon, Daiki Tanaka, Tetsushi Sekiguchi, Shuichi Shoji, Mei Ito, Yuji Hatada, Takashi Funatsu, Ryo Iizuka
Summary: Environmental microorganisms possess valuable enzymes for efficient resource utilization, but most of these microorganisms remain uncultured, leading to untapped enzymatic potential. To explore these resources, we developed a method for screening microbial cells that secrete hydrogel-degrading enzymes using deformability-based microfluidic microdroplet sorting.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Juhwan Park, Kyoung G. Lee, Dong Hyun Han, Ji-Soo Lee, Seok Jae Lee, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: The study introduces a portable microfluidic device, PAMD, for generating and dispensing droplets for ddPCR with a simple pushbutton operation. PAMD can control multiple droplet generation units simultaneously with a single pushbutton, and the size of droplets can be adjusted by changing the geometry of the droplet generation channel.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Aitor Manteca, Alejandra Gadea, David Van Assche, Pauline Cossard, Melanie Gillard-Bocquet, Thomas Beneyton, C. Axel Innis, Jean-Christophe Baret
Summary: Optimizing the properties of biological molecules is crucial for various industrial and medical applications. Directed evolution is a powerful technique for modifying biomolecules by mimicking natural evolution. Droplet-based microfluidic systems offer a high-throughput solution for enhancing efficiency and overcoming screening limitations.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Mohamad Orabi, Joe F. Lo
Summary: Hydrogel droplets are biodegradable and biocompatible materials with promising applications in tissue engineering and clinical treatments. Microfluidic techniques provide precise control over the generation of hydrogel droplets, resulting in tight distributions of particle size, shape, matrix, and mechanical properties. This review focuses on recent advances in microfluidic hydrogel droplet generation and the applications of hydrogels in cell and tissue engineering.
Article
Biophysics
Guoyun Sun, Yaokang Wu, Ziyang Huang, Yanfeng Liu, Jianghua Li, Guocheng Du, Xueqin Lv, Long Liu
Summary: This study developed a high-throughput sorting system based on glucosamine measurement for the directed evolution of an enzyme involved in glucosamine production. By designing a novel bacteria-based biosensor, the system enabled high-throughput detection and sorting of glucosamine in droplets. The results demonstrated increased enzyme activity and the potential application of this sorting technology in industrial production.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Weikang Nicholas Lin, Matthew Zirui Tay, Joel Xu En Wong, Chia Yin Lee, Siew-Wai Fong, Cheng- Wang, Lisa Fong Poh Ng, Laurent Renia, Chia-Hung Chen, Lih Feng Cheow
Summary: The DROP-PEARL platform is a multi-module droplet-based platform that enables high-throughput enrichment of antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) based on their neutralizing activity. It has the potential to accelerate the discovery of neutralizing antibodies against pathogenic viruses, making it useful in the ongoing fight against biological threats.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chuqing Zhou, Jiyoung Shim, Zecong Fang, Conary Meyer, Ting Gong, Matthew Wong, Cheemeng Tan, Tingrui Pan
Summary: We have engineered a new impact-printing-based methodology to generate printed microdroplet arrays for protein network research. This methodology offers reagent-saving, efficient, and flexible ways for studying protein networks in both membrane-unbound and-bound states.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yutaka Kazoe, Yusuke Shimizu, Kyojiro Morikawa, Yasushi Terui, Takashi Irie, Takehiko Kitamori
Summary: This study presents a method for shooting picoliter droplets in a controlled direction using microscale gas-phase laminar flows applied to a mass spectrometry interface. A microfluidic device with a branched and stepped hydrophobic microchannel was fabricated to achieve high-efficiency sample transport to a single quadrupole mass spectrometer. By understanding and utilizing capillary force and drag force, a design guideline was established for efficient droplet shooting.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ali M. Ibrahim, Jose I. Padovani, Roger T. Howe, Yasser H. Anis
Summary: This paper examines the parameters affecting droplet generation in a microfluidic system, develops a three-dimensional numerical model for simulation, and investigates the impact of different flow rates on droplet size.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ziwei Liu, Xiyang Liu, Shaokun Jiang, Chunying Zhu, Youguang Ma, Taotao Fu
Summary: This study investigated the application of Y step emulsification technology in microfluidic devices, focusing on the influences of microdevice structures and fluid physical properties on droplet generation. Important factors affecting emulsion flux were identified, and a prediction equation for droplet size was proposed based on inertial and viscous forces of the dispersed phase.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
David Conchouso, Amani Al-Ma'abadi, Hayedeh Behzad, Mohammed Alarawi, Masahito Hosokawa, Yohei Nishikawa, Haruko Takeyama, Katsuhiko Mineta, Takashi Gojobori
Summary: In this study, three droplet-based microfluidic technologies were integrated into the metagenomic pipeline to enable high-throughput functional screening of bioproducts. By encapsulating single cells, integrating fluorescence-exciting lasers, and incorporating a passive droplet merger, researchers can quickly utilize microfluidic technologies for single-cell resolution and high-throughput capability (> 50,000 cells/day) in mining and bioprospecting metagenomic data.
GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Muhammad Saqib, Phong A. Tran, Batur Ercan, E. Yegan Erdem
Summary: Janus particles have asymmetrical nature which make them superior to conventional particles. Microfluidic-based techniques are popular for their versatility and control over reaction conditions, leading to complex functionalities being imparted to the Janus particles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaozhi Fu, Yueying Zhang, Qiang Xu, Xiaomeng Sun, Fanda Meng
Summary: Droplet-based microfluidics has been widely used in enzyme directed evolution due to its low cost and high throughput. Various sorting methods, including labeled detections like FADS and label-free detections like ECDS, have been developed to improve the efficiency of the system. Recent advancements in microfluidic DE have led to the generation of novel enzymes and highly efficient variants. Challenges and advantages of different sorting methods have been discussed to provide insights for future applications in enzyme DE.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Madeline T. Van Dongen, Derrick Ng, Leonardo Moura, Durga Acharya, Jinxiu Wang, Christopher D. Easton, Feng Wang, Zongli Xie
Summary: A MnOX/FeOX catalyst was developed for high NO conversion in industrial flue gas conditions, with over 90% conversion achieved in a temperature range of 125-225°C. Addition of PTFE improved water vapor resistance and further enhanced NO conversion, reaching up to 98% conversion with up to 10% water vapor present.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Thomas R. Gengenbach, George H. Major, Matthew R. Linford, Christopher D. Easton
Summary: This guide discusses common issues associated with the analysis of C 1s narrow scan in XPS literature, and provides an overview of rules, principles, and considerations to guide the analysis approach. Following these guidelines should help avoid common problems and extract reliable, reproducible, and meaningful information from experimental data.
JOURNAL OF VACUUM SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY A
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Huizhu Yang, Yongyao Li, Binjian Ma, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: Open-cell metal foams are commonly used in various industries due to their unique properties, but accurately predicting the pressure drop in these foams has been a challenge. This paper presents equations for fluid flow through open-cell metal foams, summarizes existing models for predicting pressure drop, and proposes new correlations for permeability and Forchheimer coefficient. The findings advance our understanding of flow characteristics in open-cell metal foams and provide guidance for their engineering application design.
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Jun Dong, Yue Yang, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: Understanding the dynamics of airflow in alveoli and its effect on particle transport and deposition is crucial for understanding lung functions and diseases. This review discusses recent progress in the investigation of alveolar airflow behavior, including studies on lung airway structure and alveolar topology, alveolar modeling, flow behavior findings, and developments in microfluidic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wei Zhang, Jun Dong, Huimin Lv, Weitao Bai, Hongzhou Lu, Bernd R. Noack, Yonggang Zhu, Yue Yang
Summary: Understanding the transport and sedimentation of particles in the pulmonary alveolus is crucial for investigating the causes of respiratory diseases and advancing drug delivery. This study developed an experimental platform using microfluidic technique to examine particle behavior in a rhythmically expanding alveolar chip. The results revealed the irreversible nature of particle transport in the alveoli, with particles either escaping from the alveolar duct or remaining in the alveoli. The study also compared the settling rates of particles of different sizes, providing valuable data for understanding particle transport and sedimentation in the alveoli.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Bin Ran, Chaozhan Chen, Bo Liu, Minbo Lan, Huaying Chen, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: The detection of sarcosine, a biomarker for prostate cancer, is of great significance. In this study, a Ti3C2TX/Pt-Pd nanocomposite was synthesized and used in a sarcosine biosensor, exhibiting high stability and excellent electrochemical performance for sensitive sarcosine detection. The reliable response in serum samples highlights its potential in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chaozhan Chen, Bin Ran, Bo Liu, Xiaoxuan Liu, Jing Jin, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: In this study, a bio-inspired micropillar array electrode (b mu AE) based on the microfluidic device was proposed to improve the current response of microchip-based electrochemical detection systems. The electrode was inspired by the structure of leatherback sea turtles' mouths. Numerical simulations and experimental measurements were conducted to characterize the performance of b mu AE. The results showed that the rearrangement of micropillars on the microchannel significantly increased the contact area and improved the current response. This study provides a new perspective on the efficient configuration of microarray electrodes and has great potential for highly sensitive electrochemical detection.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bo Liu, Bin Ran, Chaozhan Chen, Liuyong Shi, Jing Jin, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: Nanoparticle-functionalized transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) have attracted extensive attention in electrochemical detection due to their excellent catalytic performance. In this study, a high-throughput and continuous microfluidic platform was developed for preparing a functional MXene (Ti3C2Tx) with bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt-Pd NPs) at room temperature. The platform integrated 3D micromixers to prevent aggregation of NPs and achieve a homogeneous distribution, allowing easy control of Pt-Pd NP size. The optimized Ti3C2Tx/Pt-Pd showed excellent electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen peroxide detection.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Huizhu Yang, Yue Yang, Binjian Ma, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: This paper studied a chemical process for creating a superhydrophilic surface on copper foams, found the best way to achieve optimal wicking ability, and is important for understanding flow transport in porous materials.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Huaying Chen, Haixu Meng, Zhenlin Chen, Tong Wang, Chuanpin Chen, Yonggang Zhu, Jing Jin
Summary: This paper presents a microfluidic device for size sorting and in situ clonal culture of single cells. Experimental results show that the device can successfully sort the cells into different size ranges and perform time-lapse imaging during in situ culture.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yang Liu, Shiyu Wang, Menghua Lyu, Run Xie, Weijin Guo, Ying He, Xuyang Shi, Yang Wang, Jingyu Qi, Qianqian Zhu, Hui Zhang, Tao Luo, Huaying Chen, Yonggang Zhu, Xuan Dong, Zida Li, Ying Gu, Longqi Liu, Xun Xu, Ya Liu
Summary: The rapid advancement of single-cell omics technology is crucial for addressing challenges in precision medicine, with the development of an all-in-droplet method proving to be a labor-saving approach for monitoring TCR-T cells.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jiaming Shi, Wenqiang Tong, Zhihang Yu, Lei Tong, Huaying Chen, Jing Jin, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: Cell metabolite detection is crucial for cell analysis. This paper presents a microfluidic chip with a backflow prevention channel for cell culture and lactate detection. It effectively separates the culture chamber and detection zone, preventing cell contamination caused by backflow. The chip allows for lactate concentration analysis without cell contamination, and has been successfully demonstrated in measuring lactate production in HUVEC cells. The chip shows stability in quick detection and has potential applications in cell analysis, drug screening, and disease diagnosis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Liu, Bin Ran, Chaozhan Chen, Liuyong Shi, Ya Liu, Huaying Chen, Yonggang Zhu
Summary: This study developed a high-performance 3D micromixer using low-cost 3D printing technology. The micromixer demonstrated excellent mixing performance over a wide range of flow rates and viscosities. The experimental results showed a mixing efficiency of over 96.5% for water and over 85.1% for solutions with viscosities nearly 13 times that of water. The micromixer also achieved rapid mixing with a mixing time of 883.7 mu s for aqueous solutions.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chang Chen, Yonggang Zhu, Joshua W. K. Ho, Huaying Chen
Summary: This paper presents a method for developing a microfluidic chip integrating pneumatic microvalves to print single cells with appropriate size into standard well plates, and provides essential guidelines for chip manufacturing, control of cell size, and printing of single cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhenlin Chen, Tsz Fung Yip, Yonggang Zhu, W. K. Joshua Ho, Huaying Chen
Summary: This paper presents a novel microfluidic system integrated with a pressure feedback system and small particle separation unit for precise measurement of mechanical properties of single cells. The system has remarkable application potential and can enhance the efficiency of evaluating cell mechanical properties.
