The use of microfluidic sperm sorting (MFSS) systems in infertility treatment is increasing due to their practicality and ease of use. While often presented as highly effective, their efficacy in patients with varying sperm analysis results remains uncertain. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of MFSS compared with the swim-up (SU) technique in terms of oxygen radical levels and spermiogram parameters. Samples from each patient were processed using both methods, followed by assessments of sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA integrity, acrosomal status, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Participants were selected based on sperm analysis and categorized as normozoospermic (n = 40) or non-normozoospermic (n = 28). An analysis of separation techniques revealed no significant differences, except for a lower percentage of DNA-fragmented sperm in the MFSS group compared with SU within the non-normozoospermic cohort (SU: 10.0% vs. MFSS: 5.69%, p = 0.027). No differences were observed between SU and MFSS in normozoospermic men. The MFSS method is a simple technique, frequently used in laboratories, that yields good results but does not offer a substantial advantage over SU. The primary benefit of MFSS appears to be a significant reduction in the proportion of sperm with DNA fragmentation compared with SU in patients with abnormal sperm analysis results.
- MeSH
- analýza spermatu metody MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- fragmentace DNA MeSH
- intracytoplazmatické injekce spermie * metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- membránový potenciál mitochondrií MeSH
- mikrofluidika * metody MeSH
- motilita spermií * MeSH
- mužská infertilita terapie MeSH
- separace buněk * metody MeSH
- spermie * cytologie metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
Proteomics provides an understanding of biological systems by enabling the detailed study of protein expression profiles, which is crucial for early disease diagnosis. Microfluidic-based proteomics enhances this field by integrating complex proteome analysis into compact and efficient systems. This review focuses on developing microfluidic chip structures for proteomics, covering on-chip sample pretreatment, protein extraction, purification, and identification in recent years. Furthermore, our work aims to inspire researchers to select proper methodologies in designing novel, efficient assays for proteomics applications by analyzing trends and innovations in this field.
- MeSH
- biosenzitivní techniky přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- design vybavení MeSH
- laboratoř na čipu * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrofluidika metody MeSH
- mikrofluidní analytické techniky přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- proteiny analýza izolace a purifikace MeSH
- proteom analýza izolace a purifikace chemie MeSH
- proteomika * metody MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
This study investigates various microfluidic chip fabrication techniques, highlighting their applicability and limitations in the context of urgent diagnostic needs showcased by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a detailed examination of methods such as computer numerical control milling of a polymethyl methacrylate, soft lithography for polydimethylsiloxane-based devices, xurography for glass-glass chips, and micromachining-based silicon-glass chips, we analyze each technique's strengths and trade-offs. Hence, we discuss the fabrication complexity and chip thermal properties, such as heating and cooling rates, which are essential features of chip utilization for a polymerase chain reaction. Our comparative analysis reveals critical insights into material challenges, design flexibility, and cost-efficiency, aiming to guide the development of robust and reliable microfluidic devices for healthcare and research. This work underscores the importance of selecting appropriate fabrication methods to optimize device functionality, durability, and production efficiency.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * virologie MeSH
- design vybavení MeSH
- dimethylpolysiloxany chemie MeSH
- laboratoř na čipu * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrofluidika metody přístrojové vybavení MeSH
- mikrofluidní analytické techniky přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- polymethylmethakrylát chemie MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 izolace a purifikace MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
The application of microfluidic devices as next-generation cell and tissue culture systems has increased impressively in the last decades. With that, a plethora of materials as well as fabrication methods for these devices have emerged. Here, we describe the rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices, using micromilling and vapour-assisted thermal bonding of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to create a spheroid-on-a-chip culture system. Surface roughness of the micromilled structures was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing that the fabrication procedure can impact the surface quality of micromilled substrates with milling tracks that can be readily observed in micromilled channels. A roughness of approximately 153 nm was created. Chloroform vapour-assisted bonding was used for simultaneous surface smoothing and bonding. A 30-s treatment with chloroform-vapour was able to reduce the surface roughness and smooth it to approximately 39 nm roughness. Subsequent bonding of multilayer PMMA-based microfluidic chips created a durable assembly, as shown by tensile testing. MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were cultured as multicellular tumour spheroids in the device and their characteristics evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. Spheroids could be successfully maintained for at least three weeks. They consisted of a characteristic hypoxic core, along with expression of the quiescence marker, p27kip1. This core was surrounded by a ring of Ki67-positive, proliferative cells. Overall, the method described represents a versatile approach to generate microfluidic devices compatible with biological applications.
Nowadays, the vastly increasing demand for novel biotechnological products is supported by the continuous development of biocatalytic applications that provide sustainable green alternatives to chemical processes. The success of a biocatalytic application is critically dependent on how quickly we can identify and characterize enzyme variants fitting the conditions of industrial processes. While miniaturization and parallelization have dramatically increased the throughput of next-generation sequencing systems, the subsequent characterization of the obtained candidates is still a limiting process in identifying the desired biocatalysts. Only a few commercial microfluidic systems for enzyme analysis are currently available, and the transformation of numerous published prototypes into commercial platforms is still to be streamlined. This review presents the state-of-the-art, recent trends, and perspectives in applying microfluidic tools in the functional and structural analysis of biocatalysts. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of available technologies, their reproducibility and robustness, and readiness for routine laboratory use. We also highlight the unexplored potential of microfluidics to leverage the power of machine learning for biocatalyst development.
Intestinal milieu disorders are strongly related to the occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which results from mucosa destruction, epithelium disruption, and tight junction (TJ) proteins loss. Excess of H2 S in the intestinal milieu produced by the sulfate-reducing bacteria metabolism contributes to development of IBDs via epithelial barrier breakdown. Conventional interventions, such as surgery and anti-inflammatory medications, are considered not completely effective because of frequent recurrence and other complications. Herein, a novel oral delivery system, a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS)-based polymer-coated Zr-based metal-organic framework (UiO-66) with a Cux -rhodamine B (CR) probe (hereinafter referred to as HUR), is produced via a co-flow microfluidic approach with the ability to reduce H2 S levels, thus restoring the intestinal lumen milieu. HPMCAS serves as an enteric coating that exposes UiO-66@CR at the pH of the intestine but not the acidic pH of the stomach. The synthesized HUR exhibits notable therapeutic efficacy, including mucosa recovery, epithelium integrity restoration, and TJ proteins upregulation via H2 S scavenging to protect against intestinal barrier damage and microbiome dysbiosis. Thus, HUR is verified to be a promising theranostic platform able to decrease the H2 S content for intestinal milieu disorder treatment. The presented study therefore opens the door for further exploitation for IBDs therapy.
Mikrofluidika je inovativní obor, který se zabývá zpracováním malého množství kapaliny v mikrokanálech. V kombinaci s pokročilými analytickými technikami, jako je např. mikrofluidní PCR, nabízí významné výhody nejen pro analýzu genové exprese. Tato metoda využívá mikrokanály a mikroventily k přesnému dávkování a míchání činidel, čímž se minimalizuje spotřeba vzorku a činidla a také čas stráve‐ ný pipetováním. Tyto vlastnosti činí mikrofluidní PCR ideální pro analýzu genové exprese, kde je vyžadováno podrobné monitorování a kvantifikace mRNA. Jedním z přístrojů umožňujícím mikrofluidní PCR je Biomark X. Díky své schopnosti multiplexování a také díky své‐ mu mikrofluidnímu designu umožňuje analýzu mnoha vzorků současně. Tato pokročilá technologie má široké uplatnění v biologickém výzkumu, diagnostice a personalizované medicíně a nabízí nové příležitosti k objevování a pochopení genetických procesů.
Microfluidics is an innovative science that deals with the manipulation of small volumes of fluid in microchannels. In combination with advanced analytical techniques such as microfluidic PCR, it offers significant advantages not only for gene expression analysis. Microflui‐ dic PCR enables PCR reactions to be performed using very small sample volumes, as it utilizes microchannels and microvalves for precise reagent dispensing and mixing. This fact increases both sensitivity and accuracy of the analysis. The Biomark X instrument utilizes micro‐ fluidic PCR for gene expression analysis, as it is ideal for mRNA quantification. With its multiplexing capability and microfluidic design, it enables the analysis of multiple samples simultaneously. This advanced technology finds broad applications in biological research, diagnostics, and provides new opportunities for the discovery and understanding of genetic processes.
There is an increasing interest in acoustics for microfluidic applications. This field, commonly known as acoustofluidics involves the interaction of ultrasonic standing waves with fluids and dispersed microparticles. The combination of microfluidics and the so-called acoustic standing waves (ASWs) led to the development of integrated systems for contact-less on-chip cell and particle manipulation where it is possible to move and spatially localize these particles based on the different acoustophysical properties. While it was initially suggested that the acoustic forces could be harmful to the cells and could impact cell viability, proliferation, or function via phenotypic or even genotypic changes, further studies disproved such claims. This review is summarizing some interesting applications of acoustofluidics in the manipulations of biomaterials, such as cells or subcellular vesicles, in works published mainly within the last 5 years.
In this paper, we present the ImmunoDisk, a fully automated sample-to-answer centrifugal microfluidic cartridge, integrating a heterogeneous, wash-free, magnetic- and fluorescent bead-based immunoassay (bound-free phase detection immunoassay/BFPD-IA). The BFPD-IA allows the implementation of a simple fluidic structure, where the assay incubation, bead separation and detection are performed in the same chamber. The system was characterized using a C-reactive protein (CRP) competitive immunoassay. A parametric investigation on air drying of protein-coupled beads for pre-storage at room temperature is presented. The key parameters were buffer composition, drying temperature and duration. A protocol for drying two different types of protein-coupled beads with the same temperature and duration using different drying buffers is presented. The sample-to-answer workflow was demonstrated measuring CRP in 5 μL of human serum, without prior dilution, utilizing only one incubation step, in 20 min turnaround time, in the clinically relevant concentration range of 15-115 mg/L. A reproducibility assessment over three disk batches revealed an average signal coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.8 ± 1.3%. A CRP certified reference material was used for method verification with a concentration CV of 8.6%. Our results encourage future testing of the CRP-ImmunoDisk in clinical studies and its point-of-care implementation in many diagnostic applications.
- MeSH
- C-reaktivní protein * MeSH
- imunoanalýza metody MeSH
- indikátory a reagencie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrofluidika * MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Mikročástice jsou široce používány v nesčetných oblastech průmyslu, jako jsou farmaceutika, potraviny, kosmetika a další. Ve srovnání s tradičními metodami pro syntézu mikročástic poskytují mikrofluidní techniky výkonné platformy pro vytváření vysoce kontrolovatelných kapek emulze jako šablon pro výrobu uniformních mikročástic s pokročilými strukturami a funkcemi. Mikrofluidní techniky mohou generovat kapky emulze s přesně řízenou velikostí, tvarem a složením. Přesnější proces přípravy je účinným nástroj ke kontrole profilu uvolňování léčiva a přináší také snadno dostupnou reprodukovatelnost. Článek poskytuje informace o základních nastaveních droplet-based techniky a příklady typů mikročástic připravitelných touto metodou.
Microparticles are widely used in myriad fields such as pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics, and other industrial fields. Compared with traditional methods for synthesizing microparticles, microfluidic techniques provide very powerful platforms for creating highly controllable emulsion droplets as templates for fabricating uniform microparticles with advanced structures and functions. Microfluidic techniques can generate emulsion droplets with precisely controlled size, shape, and composition. A more precise preparation process brings an effective tool to control the release profile of the drug and introduces an easily accessible reproducibility. The paper gives information about basic droplet-based set-ups and examples of attainable microparticle types preparable by this method.
- Klíčová slova
- metoda odpaření rozpouštědla, mikrokanálky,
- MeSH
- mikrofluidika metody MeSH
- nanočástice * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
