Continuous separation of microparticles in a microfluidic channel via the elasto-inertial effect of non-Newtonian fluid

Pure separation and sorting of microparticles from complex fluids are essential for biochemical analyses and clinical diagnostics. However, conventional techniques require highly complex and expensive labeling processes for high purity separation. In this study, we present a simple and label-free method for separating microparticles with high purity using the elasto-inertial characteristic of a non-Newtonian fluid in microchannel flow. At the inlet, particle-containing sample flow was pushed toward the side walls by introducing sheath fluid from the center inlet. Particles of 1 μm and 5 μm in diameter, which were suspended in viscoelastic fluid, were successfully separated in the outlet channels: larger particles were notably focused on the centerline of the channel at the outlet, while smaller particles continued flowing along the side walls with minimal lateral migration towards the centerline. The same technique was further applied to separate platelets from diluted whole blood. Through cytometric analysis, we obtained a purity of collected platelets of close to 99.9%. Conclusively, our microparticle separation technique using elasto-inertial forces in non-Newtonian fluid is an effective method for separating and collecting microparticles on the basis of size differences with high purity.     

Human gut-on-a-chip inhabited by microbial flora that experiences intestinal peristalsis-like motions and flow

Development of an in vitro living cell-based model of the intestine that mimics the mechanical, structural, absorptive, transport and pathophysiological properties of the human gut along with its crucial microbial symbionts could accelerate pharmaceutical development, and potentially replace animal testing. Here, we describe a biomimetic 'human gut-on-a-chip' microdevice composed of two microfluidic channels separated by a porous flexible membrane coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) and lined by human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells that mimics the complex structure and physiology of living intestine. The gut microenvironment is recreated by flowing fluid at a low rate (30 μL h(-1)) producing low shear stress (0.02 dyne cm(-2)) over the microchannels, and by exerting cyclic strain (10%; 0.15 Hz) that mimics physiological peristaltic motions. Under these conditions, a columnar epithelium develops that polarizes rapidly, spontaneously grows into folds that recapitulate the structure of intestinal villi, and forms a high integrity barrier to small molecules that better mimics whole intestine than cells in cultured in static Transwell models. In addition, a normal intestinal microbe (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) can be successfully co-cultured for extended periods (>1 week) on the luminal surface of the cultured epithelium without compromising epithelial cell viability, and this actually improves barrier function as previously observed in humans. Thus, this gut-on-a-chip recapitulates multiple dynamic physical and functional features of human intestine that are critical for its function within a controlled microfluidic environment that is amenable for transport, absorption, and toxicity studies, and hence it should have great value for drug testing as well as development of novel intestinal disease models.     

Slab waveguide photobioreactors for microalgae based biofuel production

Microalgae are a promising feedstock for sustainable biofuel production. At present, however, there are a number of challenges that limit the economic viability of the process. Two of the major challenges are the non-uniform distribution of light in photobioreactors and the inefficiencies associated with traditional biomass processing. To address the latter limitation, a number of studies have demonstrated organisms that directly secrete fuels without requiring organism harvesting. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel optofluidic photobioreactor that can help address the light distribution challenge while being compatible with these chemical secreting organisms. Our approach is based on light delivery to surface bound photosynthetic organisms through the evanescent field of an optically excited slab waveguide. In addition to characterizing organism growth-rates in the system, we also show here, for the first time, that the photon usage efficiency of evanescent field illumination is comparable to the direct illumination used in traditional photobioreactors. We also show that the stackable nature of the slab waveguide approach could yield a 12-fold improvement in the volumetric productivity.     

Site- and enantioselective formation of allene-bearing tertiary or quaternary carbon stereogenic centers through NHC-Cu-catalyzed allylic substitution

Catalytic enantioselective allylic substitutions that result in addition of an allenyl group (<2% propargyl addition) and formation of tertiary or quaternary C-C bonds are described. Commercially available allenylboronic acid pinacol ester is used. Reactions are promoted by a 5.0-10 mol % loading of sulfonate-bearing chiral bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of copper, which exhibit the unique ability to furnish chiral products arising from the S(N)2' mode of addition. Allenyl-containing products are generated in up to 95% yield, >98% S(N)2' selectivity, and 99:1 enantiomeric ratio (er). Site-selective NHC-Cu-catalyzed hydroboration of enantiomerically enriched allenes and conversion to the corresponding β-vinyl ketones demonstrates the method's utility.     

Highly luminescent InP/GaP/ZnS nanocrystals and their application to white light-emitting diodes

Highly stable and luminescent InP/GaP/ZnS QDs with a maximum quantum yield of 85% were synthesized by in situ method. The GaP shell rendered passivation of the surface and removed the traps. TCSPC data showed an evidence for the GaP shell. InP/GaP/ZnS QDs show better stability than InP/ZnS. We studied the optical properties of white QD-LEDs corresponding to various QD concentrations. Among various concentrations, the white QD-LEDs with 0.5 mL of QDs exhibited a luminous efficiency of 54.71 lm/W, Ra of 80.56, and CCT of 7864 K.     

Cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes-triggered conformational change of molecular beacon aptamer for highly sensitive and selective potassium ion detection

We demonstrate highly sensitive and selective potassium ion detection against excess sodium ions in water, by modulating the interaction between the G-quadruplex-forming molecular beacon aptamer (MBA) and cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE). The K(+)-specific aptamer sequence in MBA is used as the molecular recognition element, and the high binding specificity of MBA for potassium ions offers selectivity against a range of metal ions. The hairpin-type MBA labeled with a fluorophore and quencher at both termini undergoes a conformational change (by complexation with CPEs) to either an open-chain form or a G-quadruplex in the absence or presence of K(+) ions. Conformational changes of MBA as well as fluorescence (of the fluorophore in MBA) quenching or amplification via fluorescence resonance energy transfer from CPEs provide clear signal turn-off and -on in the presence or absence of K(+). The detection limit of the K(+) assays is determined to be ~1.5 nM in the presence of 100 mM Na(+) ions, which is ~3 orders of magnitude lower than those reported previously. The successful detection of 5'-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with the MBA containing an ATP-specific aptamer sequence is also demonstrated using the same sensor scheme. The scheme reported herein is applicable to the detection of other kinds of G-rich aptamer-binding chemicals and biomolecules.     

DNA analysis by application of Pt nanoparticle electrochemical amplification with single label response

This study demonstrates a highly sensitive sensing scheme for the detection of low concentrations of DNA, in principle down to the single biomolecule level. The previously developed technique of electrochemical current amplification for detection of single nanoparticle (NP) collisions at an ultramicroelectrode (UME) has been employed to determine DNA. The Pt NP/Au UME/hydrazine oxidation reaction was employed, and individual NP collision events were monitored. The Pt NP was modified with a 20-base oligonucleotide with a C6 spacer thiol (detection probe), and the Au UME was modified with a 16-base oligonucleotide with a C6 spacer thiol (capture probe). The presence of a target oligonucleotide (31 base) that hybridized with both capture and detection probes brought a Pt NP on the electrode surface, where the resulting electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine resulted in a current response.     

Radiation sensitivity of bacteria and virus in porcine xenoskin for dressing agent

In this study, gamma irradiation sensitivities of bacteria and viruses in porcine skin were evaluated to establish the optimum sterilization condition for the dressing material and a xenoskin graft. Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were used as model pathogens and inoculated at 10⁶–10⁷ log CFU/g. As model viruses, porcine parvovirus (PPV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and poliovirus were used and inoculated at 10⁵–10⁶ TCID₅₀/g into porcine skin. The D₁₀ value of E. coli was found to be 0.25±0.1 kGy. B. subtilis endospores produced under stressful environmental conditions showed lower radiation sensitivity as D₁₀ was 3.88±0.3 kGy in porcine skin. The D₁₀ values of PPV, BVDV, and poliovirus were found to be 1.73±0.2, 3.81±0.2, and 6.88±0.3 kGy, respectively. These results can offer the basic information required for inactivating pathogens by gamma irradiation and achieving dressing material and porcine skin grafts.     

Effect of high-dose irradiation on quality characteristics of ready-to-eat chicken breast

High-dose (higher than 30 kGy) irradiation has been used to sterilize specific-purposed foods for safe and long-term storage. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of high-dose irradiation on the quality characteristics of ready-to-eat chicken breast in comparison with those of the low-dose irradiation. Ready-to-eat chicken breast was manufactured, vacuum-packaged, and irradiated at 0, 5, and 40 kGy. The populations of total aerobic bacteria were 4.75 and 2.26 Log CFU/g in the samples irradiated at 0 and 5 kGy, respectively. However, no viable cells were detected in the samples irradiated at 40 kGy. On day 10, bacteria were not detected in the samples irradiated at 40 kGy but the number of bacteria in the samples irradiated at 5 kGy was increased. The pH at day 0 was higher in the samples irradiated at 40 kGy than those at 0 and 5 kGy. The 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values of the samples were not significantly different on day 0. However, on day 10, the TBARS value was significantly higher in the samples irradiated at 40 kGy than those at 0 and 5 kGy. There was no difference in the sensory scores of the samples, except for off-flavor, which was stronger in samples irradiated at 5 and 40 kGy than control. However, no difference in off-flavor between the irradiated ones was observed. After 10 days of storage, only the samples irradiated at 40 kGy showed higher off-flavor score. SPME-GC–MS analysis revealed that 5 kGy of irradiation produced 2-methylbutanal and 3-methylbutanal, which were not present in the control, whereas 40 kGy of irradiation produced hexane, heptane, pentanal, dimethly disulfide, heptanal, and nonanal, which were not detected in the control or the samples irradiated at 5 kGy. However, the amount of compounds such as allyl sulfide and diallyl disulfide decreased significantly in the samples irradiated at 5 kGy and 40 kGy.     

Predicting optimal conditions to minimize quality deterioration while maximizing safety and functional properties of irradiated egg

Irradiation is an excellent method for improving the safety and functional properties of egg. However, the internal quality of egg can be deteriorated due to a rapid decrease in Haugh units. In this study, the optimal conditions for maintaining the quality and maximizing the safety and functional properties of egg were determined when combination of irradiation and chitosan coating was treated using response surface methodology (RSM). Independent degradation parameters—irradiation dose (0–2 kGy) and concentration of chitosan coating (0–2%) were assigned (?2,–1, 0, 1, 2), and 10 intervals were set on the basis of central composite design for the degradation experiment. The dependant variables within a confidence level less than 5% were Haugh units, foaming ability, foam stability, and number of Salmonella typhimurium. The predicted maximum values of Haugh units and foaming ability were 82.7 (irradiation dose 0.0006 kGy and concentration of chitosan solution 1.03%) and 62.2 mm (1.99 kGy and 0.86%), respectively. S. typhimurium inoculated on the egg surface was not detected after 1.86 kGy and 0.48%. Based on superimposing four-dimensional RSM with respect to freshness (Haugh units), functional property (foaming capacity and foam stability), and reduction of S. typhimurium, the predicted optimum ranges for irradiation dose and chitosan solution concentration were 0.35–0.65 kGy and 0.25–0.85%, respectively. The predicted optimum values were obtained from 0.45 kGy and 0.525%. This methodology can be used to predict egg quality and safety when different combination treatments were applied.