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Microfluidics
Articles tagged with Microfluidics
New robotic microfluidic platform brings ai to lipid nanoparticle design
Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed LIBRIS, an automated microfluidic platform capable of generating lipid nanoparticle formulations at high speed and scale. This enables the creation of large, systematic datasets needed to train predictive AI models, accelerating the design of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery.
Tiny flows, big insights: microfluidics system boosts super-resolution microscopy
Researchers developed a dedicated microfluidics system to overcome limitations of existing methods in multiplexed super-resolution microscopy. The new platform precisely injects and removes solutions, allowing for high-quality imaging of proteins, specialized structures, and complex interactions within cells.
‘Stiff’ cells provide new explanation for differing symptoms in sickle cell patients
Researchers discovered that highly 'stiff' red blood cells play a crucial role in sickle cell disease, causing blockages and pain. The study's findings could lead to more effective, personalized therapies and new testing for early warning of symptoms.
MANA scientists enable near-frictionless motion of pico- to nanoliter droplets with liquid-repellent particle coating
Researchers at Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) propose a novel strategy for controlling tiny droplets on surfaces, reducing friction and enabling precise control. The study demonstrates that particle-coated droplets can move with reduced force, opening new avenues in micro-scale systems and applications.
Projecting light to dispense liquids: A new route to ultra-precise microdroplets
Researchers develop optoelectrowetting-based system for ultra-precise microdroplets, achieving high volume consistency and reproducibility. The system uses programmable light patterns to control droplet formation, eliminating random pinch-off and improving accuracy.
One-step 3D microfluidic chip brings cells closer to real tissues
A new microfluidic chip combines digital droplet control with built-in 3D microstructures to enable cells to self-assemble into tissue-like clusters. The platform overcomes limitations of traditional two-dimensional cultures and existing microfluidic systems, offering a streamlined approach to 3D cell culture.
Bacteria use wrapping flagella to tunnel through microscopic passages
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria wrap their rotating flagella around their cell bodies to form a screw thread, allowing them to propel forward through narrow passages. This mechanism enables bacteria to navigate complex environments and even infect host insects.
Blood analysis shows whether brain cancer treatment is working
Researchers developed a new diagnostic chip that can detect tumor cells in blood, allowing for real-time monitoring of brain cancer treatment effectiveness. The GlioExoChip uses extracellular vesicles to assess treatment response, providing a quick and minimally invasive way to inform doctors about chemotherapy efficacy.
New organ-on-a-chip platform allows the testing of cancer vaccine efficacy in aging populations
A new organ-on-a-chip platform recapitulates age-dependent immune responses, allowing for more accurate testing of cancer vaccines in older adults. The platform reveals functional differences in immune responses between young and old lymphocytes, which are not detectable with traditional 2D cultures.
Pancreatic cancer research project attacks ‘seeds of metastasis’
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have developed a microfluidic device that can isolate pancreatic cancer cells from blood samples with high accuracy. The lidocaine infusion method has shown promise in reducing the aggressiveness of circulating tumor cells and may help lower the risk of metastasis.
Robots that flex like US: The rise of muscle-powered machines
Researchers are developing 'biohybrid robots' that flex and move using biological tissue, offering potential applications in medicine and industry. The field is advancing through advanced fabrication methods, such as 3D bioprinting and electrospinning, which enable precise control over muscle cells.
Advancing monoclonal antibody biomanufacturing: using a novel label-free biosensing platform
Researchers developed a novel label-free biosensing platform to monitor cellular secretion of monoclonal antibodies in real-time. This approach enables rapid clone selection and cost-effective manufacturing of life-saving immunotherapies.
A novel electrowetting on dielectric-based palm-sized printer for fabrication of devices
Researchers developed a palm-sized, portable multimaterial printer using electrowetting on dielectric technology to print conductive and insulating liquids. The printer allows for on-site fabrication of origami devices with customizable shapes and functions, enabling site-specific sensor deployment in resource-limited environments.
Deformable particles gradually home in microfluidic channels
A joint team from The University of Osaka revealed that soft particles exhibit unique focusing patterns compared to rigid particles, influencing their focusing behavior. The study provides fundamental insights into the underlying physics, offering a new theoretical model explaining particle behavior under various flow regimes.
DGIST develops wireless neural interface for precise drug delivery to deep brain regions
Researchers at DGIST developed an implantable wireless neural interface capable of delivering drugs precisely to deep brain regions without external equipment. The device's micro-pump and microchannel structure enable precise drug infusion, overcoming the blood-brain barrier's limitations.
Scientists suggest new reason melanoma cells become more deadly
Scientists discovered that human melanoma cancer cells behave like stem cells when forced through channels narrower than 10 micrometres, gaining traits to survive, spread, and form new tumours. Researchers created a biomedical device to simulate blood flow through narrow blood vessels, showing the mechanical pressure makes cancer cells...
On-line detection of additive concentrations in acidic copper plating solution for metal interconnection by an electrochemical microfluidic workstation
A novel electrochemical microfluidic workstation detects additive concentrations in acidic copper plating solution with average relative errors below 10%. The system reduces single-test solution consumption to 220 microliters, enabling online monitoring of process stability and reliability.
Novel DNA-based assemblies for the development of remote-controlled microsystems
Scientists from Institute of Science Tokyo create photo-switchable binding of DNA nanostructures that generate two distinct directional motions. The research paves the way for innovative fluid-based diagnostic chips and molecular computers.
Engineered simplicity: New microfluidic device offers rapid kidney health check
A new microfluidic device promises to revolutionize kidney disease screening by enabling rapid, accurate, and low-cost testing of creatinine levels in urine. The uCR-Chip delivers clinically relevant results within 7 minutes and meets the sensitivity standards of existing point-of-care tests.
Swansea-led project could transform clot treatment
Researchers are developing a cutting-edge blood test that can accurately track clot formation and breakdown. This innovative approach has the potential to improve patient treatment and reduce complications associated with current treatments.
Scientists create ‘virtual sorting nanomachines’ using electron beams to manipulate graphene oxide
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an interface that creates programmable electric fields to sort graphene oxide without fixed microfluidic devices. The findings allow precise sorting of GO sheets, which can capture pollutants, solvents, and biomolecules based on their size-dependent properties.
Scientists wash away mystery behind why foams are leakier than expected
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University solved the drainage mystery in foams by discovering the pressure needed to rearrange bubbles sets the limit for liquid to drain out. The team found that dynamics play a crucial role in understanding soft materials and designing better foam products.
A vascularized multilayer chip reveals shear stress-induced angiogenesis in diverse fluid conditions
A new microfluidic chip design enabled precise control over interstitial flow and shear stress distribution, leading to sustained microvascular growth for over 12 days. The study found that rectangle chambers exhibited the highest network density due to uniform low shear stress, mimicking physiological capillary conditions.
Chips off the old block
Researchers developed collagen-based scaffolds that can integrate with a vascular and perfusion organ-on-a-chip reactor to form complete tissue engineering platforms. The team demonstrated the ability to create non-planar 3D networks in soft, organic material by printing helical vascular networks modeled after DNA structure.
Smart bandage clears new hurdle: Monitors chronic wounds in human patients
A smart bandage called iCares has been developed to monitor chronic wounds in human patients, detecting biomarkers of inflammation and infection. The bandage can provide real-time data and deliver treatment, accelerating the healing process.
Caltech's smart bandage clears new hurdle: monitors chronic wounds in human patients
A new version of Caltech's smart bandage, iCares, has been shown to continually sample fluid from human patients with chronic wounds, providing real-time data on biomarkers present. The bandage can detect molecules such as nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide, potentially up to three days before symptoms appear.
FRESH bioprinting brings vascularized tissue one step closer
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel FRESH bioprinting technique that enables the creation of microphysiologic systems entirely out of collagen, cells, and other proteins. This advancement expands the capabilities of studying disease and building tissues for therapy, such as Type 1 diabetes.
Shin-Etsu Chemical and Hokkaido University develop lipid nanoparticle production system capable of both small-batch, high-mix production and mass production
The companies have created a microfluidic device-based LNP production system that enables precise control over particle size, addressing previous productivity issues. The system can produce various types of LNPs in small-batch or mass quantities, from personalized medicine to vaccines for infectious diseases.
A cool fix for hot chips: Advanced thermal management technology for electronic devices
Researchers from The University of Tokyo developed a novel water-cooling system with three-dimensional microfluidic channel structures to enhance heat transfer. The new design achieved a significant increase in performance, reaching up to 10^5 COP, surpassing conventional cooling techniques.
Structural optimization of microfluidic chips for enhancing droplet manipulation and observation via electrodynamics simulation
A study presents a versatile electrodynamics simulation model to analyze driving forces in partially filled electrodes, optimizing structural parameters of digital microfluidic chips. The model reveals the effects of dielectric layer parameters, droplet electrical properties, and substrate spacing on droplet driving performance.
Small device, big impact: Improving safety of life-saving treatments for children with leukemia
Researchers developed a microfluidic device to alleviate limitations of conventional blood-filtering machines used in treating hyperleukocytosis in children. The new device separates blood cells by size without platelet loss or adverse effects, enabling safe leukapheresis procedures.
To overcome antibiotic resistance, new research says to let it flow
A new study using a microfluidic device found that certain infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as previously thought. The researchers tested three different antibiotic agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found a gradient of antibiotic activity dependent on the flow rate.
Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency
Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance catalysis efficiency in industrial reactions. The new methodology increases the density of catalytic sites and improves reactant diffusion rates, resulting in higher turnover frequencies and reaction efficiency.
Advancing catalysis: Novel porous thin-film approach developed at TIFR Hyderabad enhances reaction efficiency
Researchers at TIFR Hyderabad have developed a novel porous thin-film approach to enhance reaction efficiency in catalytic reactions. The new methodology integrates a porous heterogeneous thin film in a cross-flow microfluidic setup, allowing for faster reaction rates and increased catalyst reusability.
Rice researchers harness gravity to create low-cost device for rapid cell analysis
The Rice team created a low-cost, pump-free flow cytometer that uses gravity-driven slug flow to analyze cells with similar accuracy as conventional devices. The device is powered by AI and can count specific immune cells from unpurified blood samples within minutes.
Teaming up tiny robot swimmers to transform medicine
Ebru Demir aims to study how groups of AI-driven microswimmers move in biological fluids for potential applications in drug delivery, fertility treatments, and other medical fields. Her research combines artificial microswimmers with machine learning to uncover the underlying physics governing their movement.
Light-powered breakthrough enables precision tuning of quantum dots
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. This method allows for precise control over the bandgap, enabling the creation of high-quality perovskite quantum dots for optoelectronic devices.
Micromilled droplet microfluidics: the future of rapid prototyping
A new droplet microfluidic component library utilizes micromilling technique to produce devices at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. The library includes versatile components for complex workflows, enabling high-throughput applications in biological and chemical research.
Record-speed waves on extremely water-repellent surfaces
Researchers from Aalto University have created a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves and found that plastronic waves travel along the surface at speeds up to 45 times faster than capillary waves. The discovery could lead to new applications in biotechnology, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.
Novel lab-on-chip platform promises to expedite cancer diagnoses
A novel lab-on-chip platform uses acoustofluidics to efficiently separate rare circulating tumor cells, enabling real-time diagnosis. The system's precision and energy efficiency hold promise for improved cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine.
UF engineers develop microfluidic protocol to extract and purify DNA
A team of University of Florida chemical engineers has developed a microfluidic device for DNA purification that extracts genomic DNA without centrifuges or magnetic beads. The device uses fluid flow and electric fields to remove contaminants, resulting in more accurate results and reducing DNA fragmentation.
How do directional connections shape complex dynamics in neuronal networks?
The study reveals that directional connections propagate signals in a downstream flow, leading to more complex activity patterns. Mathematical models also suggest that modularity and connectivity interact to foster dynamical complexity.
Can lab-grown neurons exhibit plasticity?
Researchers at Tohoku University developed lab-grown neurons that form complex networks resembling animal nervous systems. These networks exhibit diverse neuronal ensembles and can be reconfigured through repetitive stimulation, mimicking neural plasticity.
A chip to measure immunity
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip that can measure memory B cells' binding affinity to flu virus, helping track immunity. The device, Shear Activated Cell Sorting (SACS), can compare how well cells bind to original and new variants.
Building roots in glass, a bio-inspired approach to creating 3D microvascular networks using plants and fungi
Researchers at Kyushu University develop a novel technique for building complex 3D microfluidic networks using plant roots and fungal hyphae in silica nanoparticles. This bio-inspired method enables the creation of intricate biological structures, opening new opportunities for research in plant and fungal biology.
New microfluidic device reveals how the shape of a tumour can predict a cancer’s aggressiveness
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a new microfluidic platform, ReSCUE, that allows for unprecedented control and manipulation of tumor shapes. This enables the formation, release, and transfer of patient-derived tumoroids, providing insights into how tumor shape predicts cancer cell behavior and aggressiveness.
Accelerating 3D nanofabrication using a sensitive cationic photoresist
A new type of cationic epoxy photoresist exhibits greater sensitivity to two-photon laser exposure, enabling fast writing speeds and fine features. The material was developed by a research team led by Professor Cuifang Kuang, who achieved lithography speeds of 100 mm/s and resolution of 170 nm.
NTU Singapore scientists apply ancient construction methods to help fabricate modern microparticles
Researchers use tongue and groove technique inspired by ancient East Asian wooden structures to create advanced ceramic microparticles with unprecedented complexity and precision. These particles can be used in various applications across microelectronics, aerospace, energy, and medical engineering.
Faster, more sensitive lung cancer detection from a blood draw
Researchers developed a microchip that captures exosomes from blood plasma to identify signs of lung cancer, achieving 10x faster detection and 14x greater sensitivity. The chip uses twisted gold nanoparticles to distinguish between healthy patients and those with lung cancer.
Fast and accurate virus detection method using 3D printed setup
A new method combines confocal fluorescence microscopy with microfluidic laminar flow to detect nanoparticles and viruses quickly and accurately. The approach uses a 3D-printed Brick-MIC setup for sensitivity and specificity improvements, potentially changing virus detection in clinical settings.
New testing system using Janus particles rapidly and accurately detects COVID-19
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new quantitative testing system called the Express Biochecker, which uses Janus particles to detect coronavirus N protein. The system is simple, rapid, and low-cost, with potential applications for other viral illnesses and biomarkers.
Drug testing evolved
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a human iPS cell-derived kidney organoid-based proximal tubule-on-chip that mimics in vivo renal physiology. This model exhibits enhanced expression and polarity of essential renal transporters, making it a powerful tool for assessing drug transport and nephrotoxicity.
New research has potential to speed up forensic analysis in sexual assault cases
A new approach developed by researchers could streamline the forensic analysis pipeline and reduce delays in processing DNA evidence. The technique, using differential digestion with digital microfluidics, simplifies the process of isolating an assailant's DNA from a single sample, reducing manual steps from 13 to five.
HKUST Engineering researchers develop groundbreaking platform for one-step production of sperm-like micro-robots to enhance precise drug delivery
Researchers from HKUST developed a novel magnetic actuation platform enabling the efficient production of sperm-like micro-robots, which demonstrate excellent motility and precision in targeted drug delivery. The Vortex Turbulence-Assisted Microfluidics (VTAM) platform streamlines the production process, paving the way for promising bi...
Nanoparticle array implantation for sensitive and reusable detection
A new SERS microfluidic system was developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University researchers, achieving a detection limit lower than 10 ppt of harmful substances. The system uses femtosecond laser-induced nanoparticle implantation into flexible substrate for sensitive and reusable microfluidics detection.
Method to separate microplastics from water could also speed up blood analyses
Researchers developed a faster and more precise method to separate particles in fluids, enabling quicker sorting of cells in blood samples and removal of pollutants in water. The improved technique uses specially engineered channels and high polymer concentrations to guide particles and increase accuracy.
Newly improved method for anti-cancer drug detection： How tiny tumor models could transform drug testing
Researchers introduced a novel method for improving anti-cancer drug detection using advanced three-dimensional cell culture technology. The new platform enables more accurate assessment of chemotherapeutic agents by simulating physiological conditions that cancer cells encounter in the body.
PolyU study reveals the mechanism of bio-inspired control of liquid flow, enlightening breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials technologies
Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.
Multifunctional droplet manipulation technology combining femtosecond laser-designed slippery surface and electrostatic interactions
A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.