Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Federica Torrisi, Giovanna Stella, Francesca M. Guarino, Maide Bucolo
Summary: This paper presents a combination of a cell counting algorithm and a velocity algorithm based on a Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) method to study the collective behavior of micro-particles in response to hydrodynamic stimuli. A wide experimental campaign was conducted using micro-particles of different natures and diameters, such as living cells and silica beads. The proposed data analysis procedure based on the DPIV-based algorithm and a custom counting algorithm allows for the extrapolation of micro-particles velocities and the obtainment of the instantaneous micro-particles number.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Diwakar M. Awate, Cicero C. Pola, Erica Shumaker, Carmen L. Gomes, Jaime J. Juarez
Summary: Despite the limitations of flow cytometers, a 3D-printed imaging platform (3DPIP) has been developed to accurately count particles and conduct fluorescence microscopy efficiently. The 3DPIP utilizes a custom particle counter code and machine vision-based algorithm to identify and count particles, showing comparable accuracy to commercial particle counters. Additionally, the platform can perform static experiments and flow-through experiments effectively, making it a promising tool for use in resource-limited clinical environments.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lexiang Zhang, Wenzhao Li, Rokshana Parvin, XiaoChen Wang, Qihui Fan, Fangfu Ye
Summary: In this study, a simple and universal method for genotyping of exosome-derived microRNAs using nanoparticles and photothermal droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is presented. This method can sensitively detect biomarkers related to prostate cancer.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuanjie Suo, Weihong Yin, Wenshuai Wu, Wenjian Cao, Qiangyuan Zhu, Ying Mu
Summary: The thermosetting oil-based droplet array enables real-time monitoring and digital counting of bacterial growth. Single E. coli cells are encapsulated in solidified droplets to form microcolonies, and Resazurin is used to amplify the bacterial growth signals. This rapid and simple method does not require pre-enrichment and has been successfully applied for enumeration of E. coli in milk.
Article
Oncology
Sum In Tsang, Ayon A. Hassan, Sally K. Y. To, Alice S. T. Wong
Summary: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among gynecological malignancies due to high therapeutic resistance, prolonged latency, and a lack of effective treatments. Preclinical models that recapitulate the histological, molecular, and pathophysiological features of distinct ovarian cancer subtypes, especially patient-derived models, are valuable assets in addressing the heterogeneity of ovarian cancer and providing important insights for personalized treatments. Further optimization of these models will enhance their clinical translatability in ovarian cancer research.
EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Jianyu Han, Songqin Liu, Zhi Wang, Yafeng Wu
Summary: This review systematically summarizes the recent advances in micro/nanofluidic-electrochemical biosensors for in situ tumor cell analysis, including circulating tumor cells, biomarkers on tumor cells, and biomarkers secreted by tumor cells. The technology offers advantages of high sensitivity, easy integration, and low cost.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shahrzad Talebian, Mehdi Javanmard
Summary: The majority of existing automated cell counter instruments are complex, expensive, and bulky, limiting their use to laboratories. Researchers have developed a portable smartphone-based particle counting platform to address the lack of accessible cell counting technology in rural and developing areas. This technology utilizes a smartphone camera and custom-developed algorithm to detect and count particles in sample solutions with high accuracy and wide applicability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leland B. Hyman, Clare R. Christopher, Philip A. Romero
Summary: Experimental methods focusing on individual properties of single cells have highlighted the significance of cell-to-cell variability in biological processes. SNAPD, a technology for single-cell nucleic acid profiling in droplets, provides a rapid, high-throughput approach for analyzing transcriptional markers in cell populations, allowing for cell classification and quantification in heterogeneous samples.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caroline McCue, Adel Atari, Sean Parks, Yuen-Yi Tseng, Kripa K. K. Varanasi
Summary: Trypsin has been the primary method of cell dissociation for a century, but there has been little change to the process. Enzymatic cell detachment strategies can be labor-intensive and generate waste, so researchers have developed microtextured polystyrene surfaces to lower cell adhesion strength. These surfaces enable decreased cell adhesion strength while maintaining cell viability and proliferation.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengmeng Zhang, Xiaoyang Wang, Yajun Zhang, Yiqiang Fan
Summary: This study proposes an integrated microfluidic approach for the quantification of microplastics from river water sediment and biosamples. The proposed two-layer PMMA-based microfluidic device is capable of conducting the sample digestion, filtration, and counting processes inside the microfluidic chip with preprogrammed sequence. The results from the analysis of samples from river water sediment and fish gastrointestinal tract demonstrate that the proposed microfluidic device can perform the quantification of microplastics from river water and biosamples.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Zenglin Dang, Yuning Jiang, Xin Su, Zhihao Wang, Yucheng Wang, Zhe Sun, Zheng Zhao, Chi Zhang, Yuming Hong, Zhijian Liu
Summary: This paper provides a taxonomical elucidation of microfluidic chip-based particle counters, classifying them into optical-based counters, electrical-based particle counters, and other counters. It describes the working principles of each type and methods to enhance sensitivity and throughput, and also analyzes future trends related to each type of counter.
Review
Immunology
Xi Zhang, Tianhui He, Yuan Li, Ling Chen, Hongyu Liu, Yu Wu, Hongyan Guo
Summary: Ovarian cancer is characterized by uncertain presentation and poor outcomes, with surgery and chemotherapy being the current basis of treatment. However, there are limitations due to advanced stage at diagnosis and high recurrence rate. The use of anti-VEGF agents, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapies are being explored to enhance treatment outcomes, but the population that can benefit from these treatments remains limited.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Lorena Saitta, Emanuela Cutuli, Giovanni Celano, Claudio Tosto, Dario Sanalitro, Francesca Guarino, Gianluca Cicala, Maide Bucolo
Summary: This work presents a 3D printed biocompatible micro-optofluidic device for monitoring two-phase flow. It successfully controls and monitors both air-water bi-phase flow and a two-phase mixture of micrometric cells suspended in a liquid solution. The study demonstrates the suitability of a selected biocompatible transparent resin for optical detection and shows that different concentrations of biological fluids can be discriminated using the optimized operating conditions.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Somayeh Vandghanooni, Zohreh Sanaat, Jaleh Barar, Khosro Adibkia, Morteza Eskandani, Yadollah Omidi
Summary: The cost-efficient sensitive detection of solid tumor markers in patients' serums remains a significant challenge, but advancements in aptamer-based sensors and microfabricated microfluidic systems offer promising solutions. These technologies have allowed for the development of sophisticated sensors capable of detecting various molecular biomarkers of detrimental diseases, including ovarian cancer, with high accuracy and specificity.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Gaizhen Kuang, Qingfei Zhang, Yunru Yu, Luoran Shang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: To address the issues of recurrence and metastasis in post-surgery treatment of malignant tumors, researchers have developed a novel type of microgel that can carry cryo-shocked cancer cells, immunoadjuvant, and immune checkpoint inhibitor using microfluidic electrospray technology and liquid nitrogen treatment. These microgels can recruit and activate dendritic cells, leading to a strong immune response. Additionally, the combination with the immune checkpoint inhibitor enhances the antitumor immune response. In an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, the microgels demonstrate excellent efficacy in preventing recurrence and metastasis, and their biocompatibility and degradation performance also support tissue reconstruction.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yu-Jen Cheng, Chih-Hung Wang, Keng-Fu Hsu, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: In this study, an integrated microfluidic system was developed to automatically capture and quantify the methylation level of cfDNA. The system achieved high capture rate and low limit of quantification, allowing for efficient detection of methylated cfDNA from plasma samples in a short time.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Rishabh Gandotra, Hung-Bin Wu, Priya Gopinathan, Yi-Cheng Tsai, Feng-Chih Kuo, Mel S. Lee, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are serious complications that are difficult to diagnose accurately, but a newly developed HNP 1 aptamer and associated assay may help improve diagnostic accuracy and assess treatment responses for PJI.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yu-Hung Cheng, Chih-Hung Wang, Keng-Fu Hsu, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: Ovarian cancer is one of the most severe gynecologic cancers with asymptomatic early stages. This study developed an integrated microfluidic chip that can extract cfDNA from plasma, detect and quantify mutations in the OvCa biomarker BRCA1. By automating the cfDNA extraction and qPCR processes, this chip can be used for clinical screening of OvCa-associated mutations.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi-Sin Chen, Chihchen Chen, Charles Pin-Kuang Lai, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: This study developed a membrane-based EV isolation/counting platform that can efficiently isolate and quantify specific EVs from blood. The platform has a limit of detection of 105 EVs/mL, demonstrating high sensitivity for disease diagnostics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
You-Ru Jhou, Chih-Hung Wang, Huey-Pin Tsai, Yan-Shen Shan, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: An integrated microfluidic platform utilizing real-time reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification was developed for detection and quantification of three genes of SARS-CoV-2, providing a useful tool for COVID-19 diagnostics.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Rishabh Gandotra, To -Wen Chen, Feng-Chih Kuo, Mel S. Lee, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: In this study, a new microfluidic platform based on magnetic beads and fluorescent probes was developed to detect α-defensin and human neutrophil protein 1 (HNP 1) in synovial fluid. The method showed high sensitivity and specificity, and could rapidly and accurately detect infection biomarkers within 60 minutes. This compact device with a wide dynamic range has great potential for future diagnostics of periprosthetic joint infection.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tsung-Han Lu, Nai-Jung Chiang, Yi-Cheng Tsai, Priya Gopinathan, Chien-Jui Huang, Jui-Lin Chang, Hsiu-Chi Tu, Yan-Shen Shan, Shang-Cheng Hung, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: Cancer can have devastating consequences and is often difficult to detect in its early stages. A new automated integrated microfluidic system has been developed to improve the diagnosis of bile duct cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a type of cancer that is challenging to diagnose. This system uses three CCA-specific affinity reagents to detect tumor cells in a small sample of CCA patient bile and can automate the entire detection process in just 80 minutes.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
To-Wen Chen, Rishabh Gandotra, Hwan-You Chang, Mel S. Lee, Feng-Chih Kuo, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: This study developed a novel integrated microfluidic system (IMS) for detecting two common periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) biomarkers, alpha defensin human neutrophil peptide 1 (HNP-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP), from synovial fluid (SF). The system automatically carried out a magnetic bead-based one-aptamer-one-antibody assay within 45 minutes on a single chip, enabling simultaneous detection of both biomarkers at specific concentration ranges. It is the first report to utilize these two biomarkers as targets in an on-chip assay, and the IMS showed promising diagnostic accuracy in clinical samples.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rishabh Gandotra, Feng-Chih Kuo, Mel S. Lee, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: This study introduces a paper-based microfluidic chip for the quantitative detection of HNP 1 in synovial fluid, providing a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tool for periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) cases. The chip demonstrates high sensitivity and selectivity, with a wide dynamic range, making it a promising solution for PJI diagnosis in clinical settings.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chi-Chien Huang, Chia-Yu Sung, Yi-Sin Chen, Keng-Fu Hsu, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: This study reports an integrated microfluidic system for automated extraction and quantification of extracellular vesicle-derived microRNA from ovarian cancer. By using specific beads, the capture rate of extracellular vesicles was improved and two microRNA biomarkers were simultaneously detected and quantified, providing a precise and specific diagnostic tool for OvCa.
2022 IEEE 35TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS CONFERENCE (MEMS)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chi-Chien Huang, Yu-Husan Kuo, Yi-Sin Chen, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: Liquid biopsy is a non-invasive method crucial for early diagnosis of breast cancer. The study showed that an integrated microfluidic system using field-effective-transistor biosensors can detect targeted microRNA associated with breast cancer accurately and rapidly.
2021 34TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS 2021)
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chia-Yu Sung, Chi-Chien Huang, Yi-Sin Chen, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: This study used an automated method to detect microRNA-21 in plasma, achieving a very low limit of detection of 1.4 attomolar. The promising device could potentially be used for clinical cancer diagnosis and point-of-care applications in the near future.
2021 34TH IEEE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MICRO ELECTRO MECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS 2021)
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yi-Da Chung, Ting-Hang Liu, Yu-Ling Liang, Chang-Ni Lin, Keng-Fu Hsu, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: An integrated microfluidic system was developed for detecting the ovarian clear cell carcinoma biomarker FXYD2 automatically. This system could perform a series of operations from handling ascites to detecting RNA levels on a single microfluidic chip, offering potential for OCCC diagnosis and prognosis.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mohammad Osaid, Yi-Sin Chen, Chih-Hung Wang, Anirban Sinha, Wen-Bin Lee, Priya Gopinathan, Hung-Bin Wu, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: The study developed a microfluidic platform for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including dilution of antibiotics and distribution of bacteria, which can improve efficiency and accuracy of the testing process.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yi-Sin Chen, Charles Pin-Kuang Lai, Chihchen Chen, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: This study presents a novel method for label-free, contact-free isolation and recovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) using optically-induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP) on a microfluidic platform, achieving rapid enrichment and automatic isolation and recovery of EVs with high efficiency.