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Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2022Thermoplastic polymers are besides glass the material of choice for the industrialization of microfluidic and organ-on-chip applications. In most cases, however, such...
Thermoplastic polymers are besides glass the material of choice for the industrialization of microfluidic and organ-on-chip applications. In most cases, however, such devices are developed on the basis standard lithographic clean room technologies and subsequent casting into PDMS. This results in comparably fast progress in the development of functional designs but important aspects with respect to later industrialization are thereby largely neglected. For that reason, it is advisable to switch at a rather early stage of development from PDMS to a thermoplastic polymer such as, for instance, cyclo-olefin (co)polymer (COC, COP). By making this step, additional challenges related to the anticipated manufacturing process can be identified, which is particularly important when aiming at industrialization. We present herein a standard process sequence for mastering of microfluidic devices by two-photon polymerization and final transfer into COC films by hot embossing. In addition, we describe the laser micromanufacturing of polymeric mold inserts and subsequent prototype injection molding of small series of COP samples.
Topics: Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Microfluidics; Microtechnology; Polymers
PubMed: 34520005
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1693-2_3 -
Lab on a Chip Oct 2016Electroporation has been one of the most popular non-viral technologies for cell transfection. However, conventional bulk electroporation (BEP) shows significant... (Review)
Review
Electroporation has been one of the most popular non-viral technologies for cell transfection. However, conventional bulk electroporation (BEP) shows significant limitations in efficiency, cell viability and transfection uniformity. Recent advances in microscale-electroporation (MEP) resulted in improved cell viability. Further miniaturization of the electroporation system (i.e., nanoscale) has brought up many unique advantages, including negligible cell damage and dosage control capabilities with single-cell resolution, which has enabled more translational applications. In this review, we give an insight into the fundamental and technical aspects of micro- and nanoscale/nanochannel electroporation (NEP) and go over several examples of MEP/NEP-based cutting-edge research, including gene editing, adoptive immunotherapy, and cellular reprogramming. The challenges and opportunities of advanced electroporation technologies are also discussed.
Topics: Electroporation; Humans; Microtechnology; Nanotechnology
PubMed: 27713986
DOI: 10.1039/c6lc00840b -
Current Opinion in Insect Science Dec 2018The steady improvement in the performance of computing systems seen for many decades is levelling off as the miniaturization of semiconducting technology approaches the... (Review)
Review
The steady improvement in the performance of computing systems seen for many decades is levelling off as the miniaturization of semiconducting technology approaches the atomic limit, facing severe physical and technological issues. Neuromorphic computing is an emerging solution which makes use of silicon technology in a different way, inline with the computational principles observed in animal nervous systems. In this article, we argue that the nervous systems of insects in particular offer themselves as an ideal starting point for incorporation into realistic neuromorphic systems and review research in developing insect-inspired neuromorphic systems. We conclude with an exciting yet tangible vision of a full neuromorphic sensory-motor system where a liquid state machine modelling the function of the insect mushroom body links input to output and allows for amalgamation of the work discussed in a hierarchical framework of a full system inspired by the concept of how information flows through insects.
Topics: Animals; Artificial Intelligence; Computing Methodologies; Insecta; Microtechnology; Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; Neural Networks, Computer
PubMed: 30553486
DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.09.006 -
Current Opinion in Insect Science Dec 2018Micro-Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) microphones inspired by the remarkable phonotactic capability of Ormia ochracea offer the promise of microscale directional... (Review)
Review
Micro-Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) microphones inspired by the remarkable phonotactic capability of Ormia ochracea offer the promise of microscale directional microphones with a greatly reduced need for post-processing of signals. Gravid O. ochracea females can locate their host cricket's 5 kHz mating calls to an accuracy of less than 2° despite having a distance of approximately 500 μm between the ears. MEMS devices base on the principles of operation of O. ochracea's hearing system have been well studied, however commercial implementation has proven challenging due to the system's reliance on carefully tailored ratios of stiffness and damping, which are difficult to realize in standard MEMS fabrication processes, necessitating a trade-off between wide-band operation and sensitivity. A survey of the variety of strategies that have been followed to address these inherent challenges is presented.
Topics: Acoustics; Animals; Auditory Perception; Diptera; Host-Parasite Interactions; Microtechnology; Orthoptera
PubMed: 30553482
DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2018.09.002 -
Small (Weinheim An Der Bergstrasse,... Jan 2019In this study, integrated plaster-like micro-supercapacitors based on medical adhesive tapes are fabricated by a simple pencil drawing process combined with a mild...
In this study, integrated plaster-like micro-supercapacitors based on medical adhesive tapes are fabricated by a simple pencil drawing process combined with a mild solution deposition of MnO . These solid micro-supercapacitors not only exhibit excellent stretchability, flexibility, and biocompatibility, but also possess outstanding electrochemical performances, such as exceptional rate capability and cycling stability. Hence they may act as skin-mountable and thin-film energy storage devices of high efficiency to power miniaturized and wearable electronic devices.
Topics: Adhesives; Electric Capacitance; Electric Power Supplies; Electrodes; Electroplating; Graphite; Humans; Manganese Compounds; Materials Testing; Microtechnology; Oxides; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Stress, Mechanical; Tensile Strength; Transdermal Patch; Wearable Electronic Devices
PubMed: 30430739
DOI: 10.1002/smll.201804037 -
Nature Communications Oct 2022Microrobots have attracted the attention of scientists owing to their unique features to accomplish tasks in hard-to-reach sites in the human body. Microrobots can be... (Review)
Review
Microrobots have attracted the attention of scientists owing to their unique features to accomplish tasks in hard-to-reach sites in the human body. Microrobots can be precisely actuated and maneuvered individually or in a swarm for cargo delivery, sampling, surgery, and imaging applications. In addition, microrobots have found applications in the environmental sector (e.g., water treatment). Besides, recent advancements of three-dimensional (3D) printers have enabled the high-resolution fabrication of microrobots with a faster design-production turnaround time for users with limited micromanufacturing skills. Here, the latest end applications of 3D printed microrobots are reviewed (ranging from environmental to biomedical applications) along with a brief discussion over the feasible actuation methods (e.g., on- and off-board), and practical 3D printing technologies for microrobot fabrication. In addition, as a future perspective, we discussed the potential advantages of integration of microrobots with smart materials, and conceivable benefits of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as physical intelligence (PI). Moreover, in order to facilitate bench-to-bedside translation of microrobots, current challenges impeding clinical translation of microrobots are elaborated, including entry obstacles (e.g., immune system attacks) and cumbersome standard test procedures to ensure biocompatibility.
Topics: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Microtechnology; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Robotics; Smart Materials
PubMed: 36198675
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33409-3 -
Advanced Healthcare Materials Jan 2019Paper microfluidics has attracted much attention since its first introduction around one decade ago due to the merits such as low cost, ease of fabrication and... (Review)
Review
Paper microfluidics has attracted much attention since its first introduction around one decade ago due to the merits such as low cost, ease of fabrication and operation, portability, and facile integration with other devices. The dominant application for paper microfluidics still lies in point-of-care testing (POCT), which holds great promise to provide diagnostic tools to meet the ASSURED criteria. With micro/nanostructures inside, paper substrates provide a natural 3D scaffold to mimic native cellular microenvironments and create excellent biointerfaces for cell analysis applications, such as long-term 3D cell culture, cell capture/phenotyping, and cell-related biochemical analysis (small molecules, protein DNA, etc.). This review summarizes cell-related applications based on various engineered paper microdevices and provides some perspectives for paper microfluidics-based cell analysis.
Topics: Animals; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Cell Culture Techniques; Cells; Humans; Microfluidics; Microtechnology; Paper
PubMed: 30474359
DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201801084 -
Lab on a Chip Aug 2018Oral administration of drugs is most convenient for patients and therefore the ultimate goal when developing new medication. The physical barriers in the body, low pH of... (Review)
Review
Oral administration of drugs is most convenient for patients and therefore the ultimate goal when developing new medication. The physical barriers in the body, low pH of the stomach and degradation by enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract are a few of the obstacles to succeeding with oral drug delivery. Microfabricated devices show promise to overcome some of these hindrances and thereby improve the bioavailability of drugs after oral administration. There is an increasing focus on microfabricated oral drug delivery systems, and so far there have been three main groups of designs: patch-like structures, microcontainers and microwells. Here, we review the newest development in top-down microfabricated devices for oral drug delivery with coverage of the aspects of design, choice of material and fabrication techniques. Furthermore, the drug loading techniques and methods for testing are discussed. In addition, we discuss the future perspectives for microfabricated devices.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Microtechnology
PubMed: 29975383
DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00408k -
Chemical Society Reviews Feb 2018This critical review summarizes the developments in the integration of micro-optical elements with microfluidic platforms for facilitating detection and automation of... (Review)
Review
This critical review summarizes the developments in the integration of micro-optical elements with microfluidic platforms for facilitating detection and automation of bio-analytical applications. Micro-optical elements, made by a variety of microfabrication techniques, advantageously contribute to the performance of an analytical system, especially when the latter has microfluidic features. Indeed the easy integration of optical control and detection modules with microfluidic technology helps to bridge the gap between the macroscopic world and chip-based analysis, paving the way for automated and high-throughput applications. In our review, we start the discussion with an introduction of microfluidic systems and micro-optical components, as well as aspects of their integration. We continue with a detailed description of different microfluidic and micro-optics technologies and their applications, with an emphasis on the realization of optical waveguides and microlenses. The review continues with specific sections highlighting the advantages of integrated micro-optical components in microfluidic systems for tackling a variety of analytical problems, like cytometry, nucleic acid and protein detection, cell biology, and chemical analysis applications.
Topics: Animals; Cell Line; Computer Simulation; Electrochemical Techniques; High-Throughput Screening Assays; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Microfluidics; Microtechnology; Nucleic Acids; Optics and Photonics; Proteins; Surface Properties
PubMed: 29308474
DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00649j -
IET Nanobiotechnology May 2023
Topics: Biology; Microtechnology; Medicine
PubMed: 37073803
DOI: 10.1049/nbt2.12130