New lab-on-a-chip formats for cell based analysis

Reliable operation of lab-on-a-chip systems depends on user-friendly, precise, and predictable fluid management tailored to particular sub-tasks of the microfluidic process protocol and their required sample fluids. Pressure-driven flow control, where the sample fluids are delivered to the chip from pressurized feed vessels, simplifies the fluid management even for multiple fluids. The achieved flow rates depend on the pressure settings, fluid properties, and pressure-throughput characteristics of the complete microfluidic system composed of the chip and the interconnecting tubing. The prediction of the required pressure settings for achieving given flow rates simplifies the control tasks and enables opportunities for automation. In our work, we utilize a fast-running, Kirchhoff-based microfluidic network simulation that solves the complete microfluidic system for in-line prediction of the required pressure settings within less than 200 ms. The appropriateness of and benefits from this approach are demonstrated as exemplary for creating multi-component laminar co-flow and the creation of droplets with variable composition. Image-based methods were combined with chemometric approaches for the readout and correlation of the created multi-component flow patterns with the predictions obtained from the solver.

Download Full-text

3D printed microfluidic lab-on-a-chip device for fiber-based dual beam optical manipulation

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93205-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Haoran Wang ◽

Anton Enders ◽

John-Alexander Preuss ◽

Janina Bahnemann ◽

Alexander Heisterkamp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Fibers ◽

Single Cells ◽

Lab On A Chip ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Optical Manipulation ◽

Hydrodynamic Focusing ◽

Trapping Region ◽

Dual Beam ◽

3D Printed ◽

On Chip

Abstract3D printing of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices enables rapid prototyping of robust and complex structures. In this work, we designed and fabricated a 3D printed lab-on-a-chip device for fiber-based dual beam optical manipulation. The final 3D printed chip offers three key features, such as (1) an optimized fiber channel design for precise alignment of optical fibers, (2) an optically clear window to visualize the trapping region, and (3) a sample channel which facilitates hydrodynamic focusing of samples. A square zig–zag structure incorporated in the sample channel increases the number of particles at the trapping site and focuses the cells and particles during experiments when operating the chip at low Reynolds number. To evaluate the performance of the device for optical manipulation, we implemented on-chip, fiber-based optical trapping of different-sized microscopic particles and performed trap stiffness measurements. In addition, optical stretching of MCF-7 cells was successfully accomplished for the purpose of studying the effects of a cytochalasin metabolite, pyrichalasin H, on cell elasticity. We observed distinct changes in the deformability of single cells treated with pyrichalasin H compared to untreated cells. These results demonstrate that 3D printed microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices offer a cost-effective and customizable platform for applications in optical manipulation.

Download Full-text

On‐site genetic analysis for species identification using lab‐on‐a‐chip

Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.1002/ece3.7053 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1535-1543

Author(s):

Ryan Wimbles ◽

Louise M. Melling ◽

Bradley Cain ◽

Naomi Davies ◽

Jason Doherty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Analysis ◽

Species Identification ◽

Lab On A Chip

Download Full-text

Environmental Fate Modeling of Nanoplastics in a Salinity Gradient Using a Lab-on-a-Chip: Where Does the Nanoscale Fraction of Plastic Debris Accumulate?

Environmental Science & Technology ◽

10.1021/acs.est.0c07545 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 55 (5) ◽

pp. 3001-3008

Author(s):

Zélie Venel ◽

Hervé Tabuteau ◽

Alice Pradel ◽

Pierre-Yves Pascal ◽

Bruno Grassl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Environmental Fate ◽

Salinity Gradient ◽

Lab On A Chip ◽

Plastic Debris ◽

Environmental Fate Modeling

Download Full-text

Emerging Lab-on-a-Chip Approaches for Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer: Status in CTCs and ctDNA Research and Clinical Validation

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers13092101 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 2101

Author(s):

Ângela Carvalho ◽

Gabriela Ferreira ◽

Duarte Seixas ◽

Catarina Guimarães-Teixeira ◽

Rui Henrique ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Liquid Biopsy ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Lab On A Chip ◽

Microfluidic Devices ◽

Early Recurrence ◽

Circulating Tumor Dna ◽

Clinical Validation ◽

Liquid Biopsies ◽

Lung Cancer Patients

Despite the intensive efforts dedicated to cancer diagnosis and treatment, lung cancer (LCa) remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, worldwide. The poor survival rate among lung cancer patients commonly results from diagnosis at late-stage, limitations in characterizing tumor heterogeneity and the lack of non-invasive tools for detection of residual disease and early recurrence. Henceforth, research on liquid biopsies has been increasingly devoted to overcoming these major limitations and improving management of LCa patients. Liquid biopsy is an emerging field that has evolved significantly in recent years due its minimally invasive nature and potential to assess various disease biomarkers. Several strategies for characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have been developed. With the aim of standardizing diagnostic and follow-up practices, microfluidic devices have been introduced to improve biomarkers isolation efficiency and specificity. Nonetheless, implementation of lab-on-a-chip platforms in clinical practice may face some challenges, considering its recent application to liquid biopsies. In this review, recent advances and strategies for the use of liquid biopsies in LCa management are discussed, focusing on high-throughput microfluidic devices applied for CTCs and ctDNA isolation and detection, current clinical validation studies and potential clinical utility.

Download Full-text