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Micro/Nanofluidic device for single-cell-based assay.

In this paper we have proposed and demonstrated a microfluidic device for a fast and parallel single-cell based assay. The proposed device is designed to passively capture single-cells or beads on multiple cell-positioning sites by a pre-defined fluidic stream and inject specific reagents or drugs onto each isolated single-cell. The device consists of surface-modified silicon channels capped with a grooved polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) cover layer. A cell capture experiment has been performed using polystyrene beads as well as CHO DG44 living cells, and successful positioning of a single-cell on the cell-positioning sites was achieved. Also, we have demonstrated independent drug injection into a specific target cell.

Animals↗

Neurons as sensors: individual and cascaded chemical sensing.

A single neuron sensor has been developed based on the interaction of gradient electric fields and the cell membrane. Single neurons are rapidly positioned over individual microelectrodes using positive dielectrophoretic traps. This enables the continuous extracellular electrophysiological measurements from individual neurons. The sensor developed using this technique provides the first experimental method for determining single cell sensitivity; the speed of response and the associated physiological changes to a broad spectrum of chemical agents. Binding of specific chemical agents to a specific combination of receptors induces changes to the extracellular membrane potential of a single neuron, which can be translated into unique "signature patterns" (SP), which function as identification tags. Signature patterns are derived using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) analysis and Wavelet Transformation (WT) analysis of the modified extracellular action potential. The validity and the sensitivity of the system are demonstrated for a variety of chemical agents ranging from behavior altering chemicals (ethanol), environmentally hazardous agents (hydrogen peroxide, EDTA) to physiologically harmful agents (pyrethroids) at pico- and femto-molar concentrations. The ability of a single neuron to selectively identify specific chemical agents when injected in a serial manner is demonstrated in "cascaded sensing".

Action Potentials↗

A microfluidic platform for 3-dimensional cell culture and cell-based assays.

This paper reports a novel microfluidic platform introducing peptide hydrogel to make biocompatible microenvironment as well as realizing in situ cell-based assays. Collagen composite, OPLA and Puramatrix scaffolds are compared to select good environment for human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) by albumin measurement. The selected biocompatible self-assembling peptide hydrogel, Puramatrix, is hydrodynamically focused in the middle of main channel of a microfluidic device, and at the same time the cells are 3-dimensionally immobilized and encapsulated without any additional surface treatment. HepG2 cells have been 3-dimensionally cultured in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic device for 4 days. The cells cultured in micro peptide scaffold are compared with those cultured by conventional petri dish in morphology and the rate of albumin secretion. By injection of different reagents into either side of the peptide scaffold, the microfluidic device also forms a linear concentration gradient profile across the peptide scaffold due to molecular diffusion. Based on this characteristic, toxicity tests are performed by Triton X-100. As the higher toxicant concentration gradient forms, the wider dead zone of cells in the peptide scaffold represents. This microfluidic platform facilitates in vivo-like 3-dimensional microenvironment, and have a potential for the applications of reliable cell-based screening and assays including cytotoxicity test, real-time cell viability monitoring, and continuous dose-response assay.

Animals↗

Investigation and evaluation of a method for determination of ethanol with the SIRE Biosensor P100, using alcohol dehydrogenase as recognition element.

A new method for rapid determination of ethanol was developed, using alcohol dehydrogenase as recognition element for the SIRE (sensors based on injection of the recognition element) Biosensor, which is an amperometric biosensor. The method was simple, fast, accurate, specific and cost-effective. The recognition element solution used was stable at least for 24 h in room temperature, and at least one month when lyophilised. The optimal potential versus the silver wire electrode, the optimal pH of the buffer and the optimal temperature of the water bath was determined to be +950 mV, 8.1 and 308 K, respectively. The optimal concentrations of alcohol dehydrogenase, BSA and NAD(+) were determined to be 200 U/ml, 20 mg/ml and 15 mM, respectively. The total analysis time was between 50 s and 4 min per analysis, depending on the concentration range. The linear range was 0-12.5 mM. The detection limit was less than 0.1 mM. The repeatability (%R.S.D.) was 3-5% (n=10). The reproducibility was 5-8% (n=5). Methanol gave no signal at all, but higher alcohols, such as propanol, pentanol and hexanol, gave significant signals, decreasing with increasing length of the carbon chain. The price for one measurement was calculated to be 0.052 euro. The results from measurements with the biosensor were compared to those from an established analysis kit for ethanol. The results correlated well (R(2)=0.9874). The concentration of ethanol in different alcoholic beverages was investigated and correlated well with the concentrations given by the manufacturers.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

Microreactor microfluidic systems with human microsomes and hepatocytes for use in metabolite studies.

In the area of drug discovery, high-speed synthesis has increased the number of drug candidates produced. These potential drugs need to be evaluated for their adsorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicology (ADMET) properties as early in the drug development stage as possible. Previously, a potential drug's ADMET properties have been found out by using monolayer cell cultures and live animals. These methods can be costly, time-intensive, and impractical for screening the large amount of potential drugs created by combinatorial chemistry. A quick, small, inexpensive, and highly parallel device would be desirable to determine a drug candidate's properties (i.e., metabolism of the drug). Here we fabricate a microfluidic device entrapping human microsomes within poly(ethylene) glycol hydrogels thereby generating an in situ microreactor to assess a drug candidate's metabolic properties that can be coupled to analysis equipment. We show that microsomes can be entrapped without the loss of enzymatic activity during photopolymerization. Additionally, a microreactor utilizing hepatocytes was also created for comparison with the microsome microreactor.

Biological Assay↗

Optimization of reporter cells for expression profiling in a microfluidic device.

The emergence of green fluorescence protein (GFP) technologies has enabled non-invasive monitoring of cell function and gene expression. GFP-based expression studies are typically performed in traditional single-dish or multi-well formats to monitor a small number of genes or conditions that do not lend well to scaling, high-throughput analysis, or single-cell measurements. We have recently developed a microfluidic device, the Living Cell Array (LCA), for monitoring GFP-based gene expression in a high-throughput manner. Here, we report the optimization of GFP reporter cell characteristics in this microfluidic device for gene expression profiling. A reporter cell line for the transcription factor NF-kappa B was generated and used as the model cell line. Reporter cells were seeded in the LCA and NF-kappa B activated by addition of the cytokine TNF-alpha . Our studies show that the fluorescence kinetics from the reporter cell line in response to both single and repeated TNF-alpha stimulation in the LCA is similar to that observed in standard tissue culture. In addition, our data also indicate that multiple expression waves can be reliably monitored from a small population of reporter cells. Using reporter cell line subcloning and cell cycle synchronization, we demonstrate that the kinetics and magnitude of induced fluorescence in the reporter cell lines can be further improved to maximize the fluorescence readout from reporter cell lines, thereby improving their applicability to live cell expression profiling. Our studies establish some of the important criteria to be considered when using reporter cell lines for dynamic expression profiling in microfluidic devices.

Cell Culture Techniques↗

A parallel-gradient microfluidic chamber for quantitative analysis of breast cancer cell chemotaxis.

Growth factor-induced chemotaxis of cancer cells is believed to play a critical role in metastasis, directing the spread of cancer from the primary tumor to secondary sites in the body. Understanding the mechanistic and quantitative behavior of cancer cell migration in growth factor gradients would greatly help in future treatment of metastatic cancers. Using a novel microfluidic chemotaxis chamber capable of simultaneously generating multiple growth factor gradients, we examined the migration of the human metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 in various conditions. First, we quantified and compared the migration in two gradients of epidermal growth factor (EGF) spanning different concentrations: 0-50 ng/ml and 0.1-6 ng/ml. Cells showed a stronger response in the 0-50 ng/ml gradient. However, the fact that even a shallow gradient of EGF can induce chemotaxis, and that EGF can direct migration over a large dynamic range of gradients, confirms the potency of EGF as a chemoattractant. Second, we investigated the effect of antibody against the EGF receptor (EGFR) on MDA-MB-231 chemotaxis. Quantitative analysis indicated that anti-EGFR antibody impaired both motility and directional orientation (CI = 0.03, speed = 0.71 microm/min), indicating that cell motility was induced by the activation of EGFR. The ability to compare, in terms of quantitative parameters, the effects of different pharmaceutical inhibitors, as well as subtle differences in experimental conditions, will aid in our understanding of mechanisms that drive metastasis. The microfluidic chamber described in this work will provide a platform for cell-based assays that can be used to compare the effectiveness of different pharmaceutical compounds targeting cell migration and metastasis.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Verification of performance with the automated direct optical TIRF immunosensor (River Analyser) in single and multi-analyte assays with real water samples.

In order to verify the reproducibility, precision, and robustness of the optical immunosensor River Analyser (RIANA), we investigated two common statistical methods to evaluate the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ). Therefore, we performed a simultaneous multi-analyte calibration with atrazine, bisphenol A, and estrone in Milli-Q water. Using an automated biosensor, it was possible for the first time to achieve a LOD below 0.020 microg L(-1) using a common statistically based method without sample pre-treatment and pre-concentration for each of the analytes in a simultaneous multi-analyte calibration. This biosensor setup shows values comparable to those obtained by more classical analytical methods. Based on this calibration, we measured spiked and un-spiked real water samples with complex matrices (samples from different water bodies, from ground water sources, and tap water samples). The comparison between our River Analyser and common analytical methods (like GC-MS and HPLC-DAD) shows overall comparable values for all three analytes. Furthermore, a calibration of isoproturon (IPU) (in single analyte mode) resulted in a LOD of 0.016 microg L(-1), and a LOQ of 0.091 microg L(-1). In compliance with guidelines of the Association of Analytical Communities International (AOAC), six out of nine recovery rates (recovery rate: measured concentration divided by real concentration in percent) for three surface water samples with different matrices (spiked and un-spiked) could be obtained between 70 and 120% (recovery rates between 70 and 120%, as demanded by the guidelines of the AOAC International). The reproducibility was checked by measuring replica of each sample within independent repetitions. Robustness could be demonstrated by long-term stability tests of the biosensor surface. These studies show that the biosensor used offers the necessary reproducibility, precision, and robustness required for an analytical method.

Atrazine↗

In vitro evaluation of blood coagulation activation and microthrombus formation by a microchannel array flow analyzer.

An in vitro assay system for evaluating microthrombus formation in whole blood has not yet been established. In this study, we characterized the relationship between coagulation activation and capillary occlusion in an in vitro assay system using a microchannel array flow analyzer (MC-FAN), which can evaluate microthrombus formation in whole blood as a function of blood flow rate. The flow rate of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated whole blood decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Addition of LPS-pretreated mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to whole blood also decreased the flow rate. Treatment with an anti-tissue factor (TF) antibody blocked the LPS-induced decrease in blood flow rate, suggesting that TF expressed on PBMCs is responsible for decreased blood flow in the microchannels. Known anticoagulants and anti-platelet agents also inhibited the LPS-induced decrease in blood flow rate. Thrombin-antithrombin complexes were increased in LPS-stimulated whole blood, and decreased by anticoagulants but not by anti-platelet agents. These findings suggest that occlusion in microchannels occurs mainly by formation of microthrombi composed of fibrin nets and platelet aggregates, which result from TF expression on activated PBMCs. In addition, the MC-FAN was found to be useful for in vitro evaluation of antithrombotic agents in the capillary.

Antithrombins↗

In vivo kinetics with rapid perturbation experiments in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a second-generation BioScope.

We present a robust second-generation BioScope: a system for continuous perturbation experiments. Firstly, the BioScope design parameters (i.e., pressure drop, overall oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) mass transfer, mean residence time distribution and plug flow characteristics) were evaluated. The average overall mass transfer coefficients were estimated to be 1.8E-5 m s(-1) for O2 and 0.34E-5 m s(-1) for CO2. It was determined that the O2/CO2 permeable membrane accounted for 75% and 95% of the overall resistance for O2 and CO2, respectively. The Peclet number (Pe) of the system was found to be >500 for liquid flow rates between 1 and 4 ml min(-1), ensuring plug flow characteristics. Secondly, steady-state intracellular metabolite concentrations obtained using direct rapid sampling from the fermentor were compared with those obtained by rapid sampling via the pre-perturbation sample port of the BioScope. With both methods the same metabolite levels were obtained. Thirdly, glucose perturbation experiments were carried out directly in the fermentor as well as in the BioScope, whereby steady-state Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from a glucose/ethanol limited chemostat were perturbed by increasing the extracellular glucose concentration from 0.11 to 2.8 mM. Intracellular and extracellular metabolite levels were measured within a time window of 180 s. It was observed that the dynamic metabolite concentration profiles obtained from both perturbations were nearly the same, with the exception of the C4 metabolites of the TCA cycle, which might be due to differences in culture age.

Bioreactors↗

Cell docking inside microwells within reversibly sealed microfluidic channels for fabricating multiphenotype cell arrays.

We present a soft lithographic method to fabricate multiphenotype cell arrays by capturing cells within an array of reversibly sealed microfluidic channels. The technique uses reversible sealing of elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) molds on surfaces to sequentially deliver various fluids or cells onto specific locations on a substrate. Microwells on the substrate were used to capture and immobilize cells within low shear stress regions inside channels. By using an array of channels it was possible to deposit multiple cell types, such as hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and embryonic stem cells, on the substrates. Upon formation of the cell arrays on the substrate, the PDMS mold could be removed, generating a multiphenotype array of cells. In addition, the orthogonal alignment and subsequent attachment of a secondary array of channels on the patterned substrates could be used to deliver fluids to the patterned cells. The ability to position many cell types on particular regions within a two dimensional substrate could potentially lead to improved high-throughput methods applicable to drug screening and tissue engineering.

Cell Adhesion↗

On-chip high-speed sorting of micron-sized particles for high-throughput analysis.

A new design of particle sorting chip is presented. The device employs a dielectrophoretic gate that deflects particles into one of two microfluidic channels at high speed. The device operates by focussing particles into the central streamline of the main flow channel using dielectrophoretic focussing. At the sorting junction (T- or Y-junction) two sets of electrodes produce a small dielectrophoretic force that pushes the particle into one or other of the outlet channels, where they are carried under the pressure-driven fluid flow to the outlet. For a 40 microm wide and high channel, it is shown that 6 microm diameter particles can be deflected at a rate of 300/s. The principle of a fully automated sorting device is demonstrated by separating fluorescent from non-fluorescent latex beads.

Cell Separation↗

Dielectrophoresis of reverse phase emulsions.

Reverse miniemulsions, emulsions of droplets of size 200 nm-1 microm of a polar liquid dispersed in an apolar continuous liquid phase, exhibit strong electrokinetic responses in low-frequency electric fields. The electrokinetic behaviour of a reverse miniemulsion, previously developed for use as electronic paper, has been investigated under static and flow conditions, in uniform and non-uniform electric fields. Results reveal that when using frequencies lower than 10 Hz strong aggregation of the droplets occurs. In uniform electric fields, under static conditions, droplets reversibly aggregate into honeycomb-like or irregular aggregates. Under flow conditions, droplets aggregate into approximately equidistant streams. In non-uniform electric fields the droplets reversibly aggregate in high-field regions, and can be guided along regions of high field strength in a flow. The potential of the technique for the formation of structured materials is discussed.

Cell Separation↗

In vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry for monitoring of circulating single cancer cells and contrast agents.

A new photoacoustic flow cytometry was developed for real-time detection of circulating cells, nanoparticles, and contrast agents in vivo. Its capability, integrated with photothermal and optical clearing methods, was demonstrated using a near-infrared tunable laser to characterize the in vivo kinetics of Indocyanine Green alone and single cancer cells labeled with gold nanorods and Indocyanine Green in the vasculature of the mouse ear. In vivo applications are discussed, including selective nanophotothermolysis of metastatic squamous cells, label-free detection of melanoma cells, study of pharmokinetics, and immune response to apoptotic and necrotic cells, with potential translation to humans. The threshold sensitivity is estimated as one cancer cell in the background of 10(7) normal blood cells.

Acoustics↗

A sequential enzymatic microreactor system for ethanol detection of gasohol mixtures.

A sequential enzymatic double microreactor system with dilution line was developed for quantifying ethanol from gasohol mixtures, using a colorimetric detection method, as a new proposal to the single micro reactor system used in previous work. Alcohol oxidase (AOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilized on glass beads, one in each microreactor, were used with phenol and 4-aminophenazone and the red-colored product was detected with a spectrophotometer at 555 nm. Good results were obtained with the immobilization technique used for both AOD and HRP enzymes, with best retention efficiencies of 95.3 +/- 2.3% and 63.2 +/- 7.0%, respectively. The two microreactors were used to analyze extracted ethanol from gasohol blends in the range 1-30 % v/v (10.0-238.9 g ethanol/L), with and without an on-line dilution sampling line. A calibration curve was obtained in the range 0.0034-0.087 g ethanol/L working with the on-line dilution integrated to the biosensor FIA system proposed. The diluted sample concentrations were also determined by gas chromatography (GC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods and the results compared with the proposed sequential system measurements. The effect of the number of analysis performed with the same system was also investigated.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗

Dielectrophoretic traps for single-particle patterning.

We present a novel microfabricated dielectrophoretic trap designed to pattern large arrays of single cells. Because flowing away untrapped cells is often the rate-limiting step during cell patterning, we designed the trap to be strong enough to hold particles against practical flow rates. We experimentally validated the trap strength by measuring the maximum flow rate that polystyrene beads could withstand while remaining trapped. These bead experiments have shown excellent agreement with our model predictions, without the use of fitting parameters. The model was able to provide us with a fundamental understanding of how the traps work, and additionally allowed us to establish a set of design rules for optimizing the traps for a wide range of cell sizes. We provide the foundations for an enabling technology that can be used to pattern cells in unique ways, allowing us to do novel cell biology experiments at the microscale.

Cell Culture Techniques↗