Microfluidics News AdminSep 25, 20171 min[Cell Systems] High-Throughput Microfluidic Labyrinth for the Label-free Isolation of Circulating TuAbstract: We present “Labyrinth,” a label-free microfluidic device to isolate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using the combination of long loops and sharp corners to focus both CTCs and white blood cells (WBCs) at a high throughput of 2.5 mL/min. The high yield (>90%) and purity (600 WBCs/mL) of Labyrinth enabled us to profile gene expression in CTCs. As proof of principle, we used previously established cancer stem cell gene signatures to profile single cells isolated from t
Microfluidics News AdminMar 18, 20171 min[Lab on a chip] Combination of microfluidic high-throughput production and parameter screening for aAbstract: Metal nanoparticles and their special optical properties, the so-called localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), facilitate many applications in various fields. Due to the strong dependency of the LSPR on particle geometry the synthesis is a challenging and time-consuming procedure especially for non-spherical shapes. In contrast, micromixers offer new experimental approaches and enable therefore a simplification of several processes. By using a zigzag micromixer
Microfluidics News AdminMar 15, 20171 min[Thesis] Development of microfluidic technologies for the construction of Multi-Compartment VesiclesAbstract: In recent years there has been an increasing interest in using lipid vesicles and related membrane structures as (i) artificial cells that mimic biological processes and (ii) bio-inspired micro-machines that serve functional purposes. To date, vesicles have largely been single-compartment structures with homogenous interiors, which has impeded the fulfilment of these goals. This thesis details the development of technologies to address this. We develop droplet-based
Microfluidics News AdminMar 13, 20171 min[Nature-Biomedical Engineering]High-throughput nuclear delivery and rapid expression of DNA via mechAbstract: Nuclear transfection of DNA into mammalian cells is challenging yet critical for many biological and medical studies. Here, by combining cell squeezing and electric-field-driven transport in a device that integrates microfluidic channels with constrictions and microelectrodes, we demonstrate nuclear delivery of plasmid DNA within 1 h after treatment—the most rapid DNA expression in a high-throughput setting (up to millions of cells per minute per device). Passing ce
Microfluidics News AdminMar 4, 20171 min[Conference]Gene transfer by circulating plasma bubble flowAbstract: We have succeeded in injection of plasmid to adherent cells which are suspended in the plasma-bubbles laden circulation flow in a chamber. High-speed plasma-bubbles are generated by glass electrode and the air-liquid interface has a stiction force which draws the gene (plasmid) and stick to the air-liquid interface. The circulating flow increased the chance for cells to contact air-liquid interface of bubbles which enclosed plasma or reactive gas. Finally, the high
