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Lab on a Chip Feb 2024As promising delivery systems, smart microcapsules have garnered significant attention owing to their targeted delivery loaded with diverse active materials. By... (Review)
Review
As promising delivery systems, smart microcapsules have garnered significant attention owing to their targeted delivery loaded with diverse active materials. By precisely manipulating fluids on the micrometer scale, microfluidic has emerged as a powerful tool for tailoring delivery systems based on potential applications. The desirable characteristics of smart microcapsules are associated with encapsulation capacity, targeted delivery capability, and controlled release of encapsulants. In this review, we briefly describe the principles of droplet-based microfluidics for smart microcapsules. Subsequently, we summarize smart microcapsules as delivery systems for efficient encapsulation and focus on target delivery patterns, including passive targets, active targets, and microfluidics-assisted targets. Additionally, based on release mechanisms, we review controlled release modes adjusted by smart membranes and on/off gates. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and potential implications associated with smart microcapsules.
Topics: Microfluidics; Capsules; Delayed-Action Preparations
PubMed: 38314845
DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00835e -
Cell Reports Methods Sep 2023Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a crucial tool to reveal the genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumors, providing unique insights into the clonal evolution,... (Review)
Review
Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a crucial tool to reveal the genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumors, providing unique insights into the clonal evolution, microenvironment, drug resistance, and metastatic progression of cancers. Microfluidics is a critical component of many SCS technologies and workflows, conferring advantages in throughput, economy, and automation. Here, we review the current landscape of microfluidic architectures and sequencing techniques for single-cell omics analysis and highlight how these have enabled recent applications in oncology research. We also discuss the challenges and the promise of microfluidics-based single-cell analysis in the future of precision oncology.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Microfluidics; Precision Medicine; Medical Oncology; Automation; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37725985
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100591 -
Environmental Research Dec 2023Liquid biopsy includes the isolating and analysis of non-solid biological samples enables us to find new ways for molecular profiling, prognostic assessment, and better... (Review)
Review
Liquid biopsy includes the isolating and analysis of non-solid biological samples enables us to find new ways for molecular profiling, prognostic assessment, and better therapeutic decision-making in cancer patients. Despite the conventional theory of tumor development, a non-vertical transmission of DNA has been reported among cancer cells and between cancer and normal cells. The phenomenon referred to as horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has the ability to amplify the advancement of tumors by disseminating genes that encode molecules conferring benefits to the survival or metastasis of cancer cells. Currently, common liquid biopsy approaches include the analysis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and tumor-free DNA (tfDNA) derived from primary tumors and their metastatic sites, which are well-known HGT mediators in cancer cells. Current technological and molecular advances expedited the high-throughput and high-sensitive HGT materials analyses by using new technologies, such as microfluidics in liquid biopsies. This review delves into the convergence of microfluidic-based technologies and the investigation of Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) materials in cancer liquid biopsy. The integration of microfluidics offers unprecedented advantages such as high sensitivity, rapid analysis, and the ability to analyze rare cell populations. These attributes are instrumental in detecting and characterizing CTCs, circulating nucleic acids, and EVs, which are carriers of genetic cargo that could potentially undergo HGT. The phenomenon of HGT in cancer has raised intriguing questions about its role in driving genomic diversity and acquired drug resistance. By leveraging microfluidic platforms, researchers have been able to capture and analyze individual cells or genetic material with enhanced precision, shedding light on the potential transfer of genetic material between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells. Furthermore, the application of microfluidics in single-cell sequencing has enabled the elucidation of the genetic changes associated with HGT events, providing insights into the evolution of tumor genomes. This review also discusses the challenges and opportunities in studying HGT materials using microfluidic-based technologies. In conclusion, microfluidic-based technologies have significantly advanced the field of cancer liquid biopsy, enabling the sensitive and accurate detection of HGT materials. As the understanding of HGT's role in tumor evolution and therapy resistance continues to evolve, the synergistic integration of microfluidics and HGT research promises to provide valuable insights into cancer biology, with potential implications for precision oncology and therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Microfluidics; Neoplasms; Gene Transfer, Horizontal; Precision Medicine; Liquid Biopsy; DNA
PubMed: 37690629
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117083 -
Small Methods Jan 2024Population-level analysis masks significant heterogeneity between individual cells, making it difficult to accurately reflect the true intricacies of life activities.... (Review)
Review
Population-level analysis masks significant heterogeneity between individual cells, making it difficult to accurately reflect the true intricacies of life activities. Microfluidics is a technique that can manipulate individual cells effectively and is commonly coupled with a variety of analytical methods for single-cell analysis. Single-cell omics provides abundant molecular information at the single-cell level, fundamentally revealing differences in cell types and biological states among cell individuals, leading to a deeper understanding of cellular phenotypes and life activities. Herein, this work summarizes the microfluidic chips designed for single-cell isolation, manipulation, trapping, screening, and sorting, including droplet microfluidic chips, microwell arrays, hydrodynamic microfluidic chips, and microchips with microvalves. This work further reviews the studies on single-cell proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, and multi-omics based on microfluidics and mass spectrometry. Finally, the challenges and future application of single-cell multi-omics are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Microfluidics; Multiomics; Proteomics; Mass Spectrometry; Cell Separation
PubMed: 37840412
DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301179 -
Molecular Biotechnology Mar 2024Thanks to recent and continuing technological innovations, modern microfluidic systems are increasingly offering researchers working across all fields of biotechnology... (Review)
Review
Thanks to recent and continuing technological innovations, modern microfluidic systems are increasingly offering researchers working across all fields of biotechnology exciting new possibilities (especially with respect to facilitating high throughput analysis, portability, and parallelization). The advantages offered by microfluidic devices-namely, the substantially lowered chemical and sample consumption they require, the increased energy and mass transfer they offer, and their comparatively small size-can potentially be leveraged in every sub-field of biotechnology. However, to date, most of the reported devices have been deployed in furtherance of healthcare, pharmaceutical, and/or industrial applications. In this review, we consider examples of microfluidic and miniaturized systems across biotechnology sub-fields. In this context, we point out the advantages of microfluidics for various applications and highlight the common features of devices and the potential for transferability to other application areas. This will provide incentives for increased collaboration between researchers from different disciplines in the field of biotechnology.
Topics: Microfluidics; Biotechnology
PubMed: 36515858
DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00626-6 -
ACS Sensors Nov 2023Point-of-care (POC) detection is getting more and more attention in many fields due to its accuracy and on-site test property. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is endowed with... (Review)
Review
Point-of-care (POC) detection is getting more and more attention in many fields due to its accuracy and on-site test property. The CRISPR/Cas12a system is endowed with excellent sensitivity, target identification specificity, and signal amplification ability in biosensing because of its unique trans-cleavage ability. As a result, a lot of research has been made to develop CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensors. In this review, we focused on signal readout strategies and summarized recent sensitivity-improving strategies in fluorescence, colorimetric, and electrochemical signaling. Then we introduced novel portability-improving strategies based on lateral flow assays (LFAs), microfluidic chips, simplified instruments, and one-pot design. In the end, we also provide our outlook for the future development of CRISPR/Cas12a biosensors.
Topics: CRISPR-Cas Systems; Point-of-Care Systems; Biological Assay; Colorimetry; Microfluidics
PubMed: 37870387
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01338 -
Lab on a Chip Nov 2023The development of micro- and nanotechnology for biomedical applications has defined the cutting edge of medical technology for over three decades, as advancements in... (Review)
Review
The development of micro- and nanotechnology for biomedical applications has defined the cutting edge of medical technology for over three decades, as advancements in fabrication technology developed originally in the semiconductor industry have been applied to solving ever-more complex problems in medicine and biology. These technologies are ideally suited to interfacing with life sciences, since they are on the scale lengths as cells (microns) and biomacromolecules (nanometers). In this paper, we review the state of the art in bionanotechnology and bioMEMS (collectively BNM), including developments and challenges in the areas of BNM, such as microfluidic organ-on-chip devices, oral drug delivery, emerging technologies for managing infectious diseases, 3D printed microfluidic devices, AC electrokinetics, flexible MEMS devices, implantable microdevices, paper-based microfluidic platforms for cellular analysis, and wearable sensors for point-of-care testing.
Topics: Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems; Drug Delivery Systems; Microfluidics; Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; Nanotechnology
PubMed: 37916434
DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00296a -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2024Microfluidic-based cytotoxic assays provide high physiological relevance with the potential to replace conventional animal experiments and two-dimensional (2D) assays....
Microfluidic-based cytotoxic assays provide high physiological relevance with the potential to replace conventional animal experiments and two-dimensional (2D) assays. Here, a 3D method utilizing a microfluidic platform for analysis of lymphocyte cytotoxicity is introduced in detail, including platform design, cell culture method, real-time cytotoxic assay setup, and image-based analysis. A 2D experimental method is used for comparison, which effectively demonstrates the advantages of 3D microfluidic platforms in closely recapitulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, a wide range of experimental possibilities and applications using microfluidic 3D cytotoxic assays is introduced in this chapter, along with their capabilities, limitations, and future outlook.
Topics: Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Cell Culture Techniques; Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; Microfluidics; Animals; Lymphocytes; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38753150
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3850-7_13 -
ACS Sensors Mar 2024Sensing systems necessitate automation to reduce human effort, increase reproducibility, and enable remote sensing. In this perspective, we highlight different types of... (Review)
Review
Sensing systems necessitate automation to reduce human effort, increase reproducibility, and enable remote sensing. In this perspective, we highlight different types of sensing systems with elements of automation, which are based on flow injection and sequential injection analysis, microfluidics, robotics, and other prototypes addressing specific real-world problems. Finally, we discuss the role of computer technology in sensing systems. Automated flow injection and sequential injection techniques offer precise and efficient sample handling and dependable outcomes. They enable continuous analysis of numerous samples, boosting throughput, and saving time and resources. They enhance safety by minimizing contact with hazardous chemicals. Microfluidic systems are enhanced by automation to enable precise control of parameters and increase of analysis speed. Robotic sampling and sample preparation platforms excel in precise execution of intricate, repetitive tasks such as sample handling, dilution, and transfer. These platforms enhance efficiency by multitasking, use minimal sample volumes, and they seamlessly integrate with analytical instruments. Other sensor prototypes utilize mechanical devices and computer technology to address real-world issues, offering efficient, accurate, and economical real-time solutions for analyte identification and quantification in remote areas. Computer technology is crucial in modern sensing systems, enabling data acquisition, signal processing, real-time analysis, and data storage. Machine learning and artificial intelligence enhance predictions from the sensor data, supporting the Internet of Things with efficient data management.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Reproducibility of Results; Automation; Robotics; Microfluidics
PubMed: 38363106
DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01887 -
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Jul 2023The growing interest in the development of cost-effective, straightforward, and rapid analytical systems has found cellulose-based materials, including cellulose... (Review)
Review
The growing interest in the development of cost-effective, straightforward, and rapid analytical systems has found cellulose-based materials, including cellulose derivatives, cellulose-based gels, nanocellulosic materials, and the corresponding (nano)cellulose-based composites, to be valuable platforms for sensor development. The present work presents recent advances in the development of cellulose-based sensors for the determination of volatile analytes and derivatives of analytical relevance. In particular, strategies described in the literature for the fabrication and modification of cellulose-based substrates with responsive materials are summarized. In addition, selected contributions reported in the field of paper-based volatile sensors are discussed, with a particular emphasis on quick response (QR) code paper-based platforms, intelligent films for food freshness monitoring, and sensor arrays for volatile discrimination purposes. Furthermore, analytical strategies devised for the determination of ionic species by in situ generation of volatile derivatives in both paper-based analytical devices (PADs) and microfluidic PADs will also be described.
Topics: Cellulose; Gases; Microfluidics; Food
PubMed: 37000210
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-04649-z