Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yang Yuan, Kristen Cotton, Dinithi Samarasekera, Salman R. Khetani
Summary: Liver diseases have a significant impact on global mortality and morbidity, but the use of animal models is limited by species-specific differences. Human liver cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells offer an abundant resource, but current protocols yield immature phenotypes. Advanced techniques, such as protein micropatterning and 3-dimensional bioprinting, can enhance the maturation of these cells. Continued advancements in stem cell-derived liver models can provide human-relevant data earlier in drug development, aid in understanding liver disease mechanisms, and serve as cell-based therapies for end-stage liver failure patients.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pallavi Srivastava, Sara Romanazzo, Chantal Kopecky, Stephanie Nemec, Jake Ireland, Thomas G. Molley, Kang Lin, Pavithra B. Jayathilaka, Elvis Pandzic, Avani Yeola, Vashe Chandrakanthan, John Pimanda, Kristopher Kilian
Summary: This article describes a method to initiate gastrulation using hydrogel islands to constrain pluripotent stem cells, mimicking the early stages of in vivo embryonic development. The authors show that within hours of seeding, the cells display a contractile phenotype, leading to enhanced proliferation and differentiation. Molecular analysis reveals a role for mechanotransduction-coupled WNT signaling in orchestrating differentiation. After two days, multilayered aggregates are formed, which can be removed for further growth and differentiation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Leila Popa, Manuela Daniela Preda, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Octav Ginghina
Summary: Microfluidics enables precise synthesis of micro-/nanostructures, with a wide range of applications in bioengineering and medicine. This review article compares traditional and microfluidic synthesis methods of zinc oxide (ZnO) in terms of particle size distribution, morphology, applications, reaction parameters, reagents, and device materials. It discusses how microfluidic approaches can overcome challenges faced by traditional synthesis methods, such as synthesis precision, bulk materials, and reproducibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alba Calatayud-Sanchez, Sara Caicedo de la Arada, Yara Alvarez-Brana, Fernando Benito-Lopez, Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts
Summary: Understanding cell affinity is crucial for disease research, drug development, and cell biology studies. Existing techniques for measuring cell affinity are either expensive and complex, or indirect and time-consuming. This study presents a microfluidic device integrated with a cell-based biosensing platform to monitor cell affinity in real-time. The device successfully quantifies and differentiates the affinity of stem cells towards various molecules. It offers a self-contained, user-friendly, and single-use solution for quantifying cell affinity with multiple applications.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yi-Je Juang, Shu-Kai Hsu
Summary: Since 2007, research and development of paper-based microfluidics has been widely conducted. It possesses various advantages and applications in different fields. In this study, fabrication of paper-based microfluidics was demonstrated by spray on the printed paper, and glucose detection was successfully conducted using the microfluidic paper-based analytical devices.
Review
Polymer Science
Anthony Tony, Ildiko Badea, Chun Yang, Yuyi Liu, Garth Wells, Kemin Wang, Ruixue Yin, Hongbo Zhang, Wenjun Zhang
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive review on the fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices using additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Two approaches, direct printing and indirect printing, are classified. The focus of the study is on the printed mold approach, which involves casting PDMS materials with a printed mold. The paper also identifies knowledge gaps, proposes future work, and develops a novel classification of AM processes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Robert P. Accolla, Madison Deller, Taylor R. Lansberry, Amberlyn Simmons, Jia-Pu Liang, Smit N. Patel, Kaiyuan Jiang, Cherie L. Stabler
Summary: This study addresses the challenge of compacted, dense, and poorly functional microcapillary structures in pre-vascularization approaches by introducing a 3D printed PDMS-based open framework structure. The PDMS framework reduces hydrogel compaction, resulting in easily manipulated constructs with increased surface area. Additionally, the PDMS frame alters vascular morphogenesis, leading to larger and less dense network structures. This research provides a novel approach to improve the generation of translational pre-vascularized networks.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Bin Jiang, Alisa White, Wenquan Ou, Sarah Van Belleghem, Samantha Stewart, James G. Shamul, Shaik O. Rahaman, John P. Fisher, Xiaoming He
Summary: The conventional approach for fabricating PDMS microfluidic devices is inconvenient and requires specialized facilities. This study discovered that reducing the curing agent for crosslinking the PDMS prepolymer increases the noncovalent binding energy of the PDMS surfaces, allowing for the convenient fabrication of leak-free microfluidic devices without the need for plasma or other treatments. This method enables easy loading and retrieval of cells and is faster and more convenient than the conventional covalent bonding method.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Erika Ferrari, Giovanni Stefano Ugolini, Claudia Piutti, Simona Marzorati, Marco Rasponi
Summary: The study introduces a microfluidic technique for micropatterning protein domains and cell cultures within permanently bonded organs-on-chip devices, allowing for the creation of multi-organ in vitro models for drug screening.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Taiyi Zhang, Feng Ding, Yujing Yang, Gaozhen Zhao, Chuanhao Zhang, Ruiming Wang, Xiaowen Huang
Summary: In vitro diagnosis (IVD) is a hot topic in laboratory research and achievement transformation. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) have played a significant role in advancing the development of IVD. This paper provides a comprehensive review of μPAD classification and research progress in IVD, and discusses the potential improvements in terms of portability, sensitivity, and automation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mostapha Marzban, Ehsan Yazdanpanah Moghadam, Javad Dargahi, Muthukumaran Packirisamy
Summary: Microfluidic systems have attracted increasing attention due to their diverse applications, and soft lithography offers a safer and more affordable alternative to traditional fabrication techniques. This study presents a 3D multi-layer PDMS suspended microfluidics fabrication process using soft lithography, addressing bonding strength and trapped air-bubbles as main manufacturing issues. Through optimization of curing temperature and air-vent channel integration, these issues are effectively resolved. Experimental tests confirm the sensitivity of the suspended microfluidic system to different fluids and flow rates.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shotaro Okayama, Masaya Nakatani, Masahiko Hashimoto
Summary: A pumpless microfluidic device was fabricated to produce monodisperse water-in-oil droplets in a fully automated manner. The device, consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slabs with patterned microstructures created by CO2 laser micromachining, allowed for rapid fabrication. The device achieved a high production rate of uniformly sized droplets (coefficient of variation for droplet diameters <4%).
Article
Polymer Science
Ming-Lin Yeh, Geng-Ming Chang, Yi-Je Juang
Summary: This study proposed and demonstrated the conformal coating of microparticles with a positively charged polyelectrolyte using an acoustofluidic microchip. The results showed that the microfluidic approach achieved rapid and uniform coating of microparticles. The zeta potentials of the coated microparticles exhibited charge reversal, with little variation influenced by the microchannel width or PAH concentration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyeon Ho Kim, YongDeok Cho, Dongjae Baek, Kyung Hun Rho, Sung Hun Park, Seungwoo Lee
Summary: This study presents the design and fabrication of a microfluidic device for uniform micro-emulsification of ultraviscous fluids. The device allows for high throughput and is easier to manufacture compared to previous methods.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jong Beom Jang, Sontyana Adonijah Graham, Jae Su Yu
Summary: This study developed a simple pendulum-type TENG that efficiently harvests oscillating motion and has potential applications in powering electronic devices and angle detection.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
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)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yoo Min Park, Juhwan Park, Sun Young Lim, Yeji Kwon, Nam Ho Bae, Je-Kyun Park, Seok Jae Lee
Summary: The study developed a simple single-chip pathogen analysis system by integrating different modules for gene amplification, electrochemical analysis, and sample migration and mixing without external pumping systems. The system successfully detected target pathogens in laboratory conditions, demonstrating practicality and sensitivity.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Juhwan Park, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: This Perspective discusses the advantages and limitations of microfluidic technologies in sample preparation, focusing on the potential and future development of pushbutton-activated microfluidic technologies as user-friendly sample preparation tools. It briefly reviews the working principle and recent advances in pushbutton-activated microfluidic technologies, and discusses future prospects for wide application in terms of integration with the signal analysis system, user-dependent variation, and universal and facile use.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Gihyun Lee, Soo Jee Kim, Honggu Chun, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: Microextrusion bioprinting has developed a multiple-bioink printing system by integrating a multibarrel nozzle for extruding multiple bioinks with a nebulizer for simultaneous crosslinking. This innovative system allows continuous extrusion of various biomaterials while stabilizing the printed constructs through aerosol-based crosslinking, improving printing resolution and stability in creating complex tissues with compartmentalized regions.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ariel J. Lee, DongJo Yoon, SeungYun Han, Herve Hugonnet, WeiSun Park, Je-Kyun Park, YoonKey Nam, YongKeun Park
Summary: This study proposes a label-free monitoring method for 3D neuronal growth based on refractive index tomograms obtained by optical diffraction tomography, allowing clear visualization of the 3D morphology of neurons and analysis of neurite outgrowth processes in 3D spaces for individual neurons.
BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Minkyung Cho, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: The study presents a modular multichannel system that mimics the stenosis and inflammation processes in arteries and studies the physical and chemical effects on biomimetic artery models. Through modularization, the system enables reproducible and stable operations, with the flexibility to replace modules for different analytical purposes. This system has the potential to be utilized for comprehensive research on vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis through tunable channel geometry and microfluidic interfacing.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Soo Jee Kim, Gihyun Lee, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: This study proposes a novel bioprinting technique using a supportive microstructured bioprinting substrate to enhance the structural fidelity of low-viscosity hydrogel constructs and replicate the biological vessel formation process. This technology could be applied to developing complex constructs using cytocompatible natural hydrogels.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Jieun Han, Hye Jin Lim, Juhwan Park, Dong Hyun Han, Dong-Myung Kim, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: A dual sensing microfluidic device has been developed for fast, portable, and quantitative analysis of target amino acids, using the biological mechanism of protein synthesis. This device enables precise quantification of amino acids within 30 min at room temperature, indicating its potential for point-of-care testing of metabolic compounds.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dong Hyun Han, Untaek Oh, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising technology for fabricating microstructures, but its direct use as microchannels is limited. In this study, we replicated PDMS microchannels using 3D-printed molds and found that bonding two single PDMS layers significantly increased the optical transmittance. We evaluated the applicability of the replicated PDMS devices by comparing them to conventional Si-wafer molds and performed droplet generation in the PDMS microchannels. This study provides a fundamental understanding of prototyping microstructures from DLP-based 3D-printed molds.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Soo Jee Kim, Gihyun Lee, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: In this study, a novel approach for the hybrid biofabrication of complex and heterogeneous 3D constructs using low-viscosity bioinks is proposed. The approach involves the use of a micromesh substrate onto which PLA filament is extruded followed by the printing of fibrinogen. The micromesh supports the printed hydrogel with a capillary pinning effect, enabling high-resolution bioprinting. The 3D MOSAIC platform allows the fabrication of complicated and multimaterial 3D structures and the self-organization of cells within the hydrogel.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gihyun Lee, Soo Jee Kim, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for the nourishment of tumors and delivery of chemotherapy drugs, but existing bioprinting and microfluidic technologies have not fully utilized the potential benefits of precise spatial control and adjustment of culture environments. This study introduces a novel integrative technology that combines a self-organized TME array bioprinted on a microfluidic chip with a vascular endothelial barrier surrounding breast cancer spheroids.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Soo Jee Kim, Gihyun Lee, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: In this study, a novel approach for the hybrid biofabrication of complex and heterogeneous 3D constructs using low-viscosity bioinks was proposed. The microextrusion printing of fibrinogen onto PLA-framed micromesh substrates allowed for high-resolution bioprinting. The resulting 3D constructs could support the self-organization of endothelial cells and enable cancer cell migration.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gihyun Lee, Soo Jee Kim, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: Bioprinting is a powerful biofabrication technique that mimics physiological environments and functions. A continuous multiple-material bioprinting system is described that can replicate structurally complex and biologically functional microphysiological systems such as a tumor microenvironment.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hwisoo Kim, Hyewon Roh, Haseong Kim, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: Hanging drop plates and low-attachment well plates are suitable for high throughput screening of spheroids, but uniform culture is difficult. To address this issue, researchers have developed a PDMS-based chip and pillar array chip, using a droplet contact-based technique for multiple reagent changes or washings.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chang Hyun Cho, Minkyung Cho, Je-Kyun Park
Summary: The study introduced a multichannel microfluidic immunohistochemistry technology for high-throughput analysis of tissue microarrays, showing great potential for molecular diagnostics.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lin-Lin Luo, Jie Xu, Bing-Qiao Wang, Chen Chen, Xi Chen, Qiu-Mei Hu, Yu-Qiu Wang, Wan-Yun Zhang, Wan-Xiang Jiang, Xin-Ting Li, Hu Zhou, Xiao Xiao, Kai Zhao, Sen Lin
Summary: A novel AAV serotype, AAVYC5, introduced in this study, showed more efficient transduction into multiple retinal layers compared to AAV2, and enabled successful delivery of anti-angiogenic molecules in mice and non-human primates.
