2018
|
V Vitali, T Yang, P Minzioni Separation efficiency maximization in acoustofluidic systems: Study of the sample launch-position Journal Article RSC Advances, 8 (68), pp. 38955–38964, 2018. Abstract | Links | Tags: Microfluidic chip, Optofluidics @article{Vitali2018,
title = {Separation efficiency maximization in acoustofluidic systems: Study of the sample launch-position},
author = {V Vitali and T Yang and P Minzioni},
doi = {10.1039/c8ra08860h},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {RSC Advances},
volume = {8},
number = {68},
pages = {38955--38964},
abstract = {The development of lab-on-chip microfluidic systems based on acoustic actuation, and in particular on the acoustophoretic force, has recently attracted significant attention from the scientific community thanks, in part, to the possibility of sample sorting on the basis of both geometrical and mechanical properties. It is commonly recognized that sample prefocusing and launch-position optimization have a substantial effect on the performance of these systems but a clear explanation of how these two parameters influence the system efficiency is still missing. In this manuscript we discuss the impact of both the sample launch position and the sample distribution at the input by the theoretical analysis of a simplified system and by numerical simulations of realistic configurations. The results show that the system performance can be greatly improved by selecting the proper microchannel dimensions and sample-launch position, offering relevant guidelines for the design of micro-acoustofluidic lab-on-chip devices.},
keywords = {Microfluidic chip, Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The development of lab-on-chip microfluidic systems based on acoustic actuation, and in particular on the acoustophoretic force, has recently attracted significant attention from the scientific community thanks, in part, to the possibility of sample sorting on the basis of both geometrical and mechanical properties. It is commonly recognized that sample prefocusing and launch-position optimization have a substantial effect on the performance of these systems but a clear explanation of how these two parameters influence the system efficiency is still missing. In this manuscript we discuss the impact of both the sample launch position and the sample distribution at the input by the theoretical analysis of a simplified system and by numerical simulations of realistic configurations. The results show that the system performance can be greatly improved by selecting the proper microchannel dimensions and sample-launch position, offering relevant guidelines for the design of micro-acoustofluidic lab-on-chip devices. |
2017
|
T Yang, G Nava, V Vitali, F Bragheri, R Osellame, T Bellini, I Cristiani, P Minzioni Integrated optofluidic chip for low-volume fluid viscosity measurement Journal Article Micromachines, 8 (3), 2017. Abstract | Links | Tags: Optofluidics @article{Yang2017,
title = {Integrated optofluidic chip for low-volume fluid viscosity measurement},
author = {T Yang and G Nava and V Vitali and F Bragheri and R Osellame and T Bellini and I Cristiani and P Minzioni},
doi = {10.3390/mi8030065},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Micromachines},
volume = {8},
number = {3},
abstract = {In the present work, an integrated optofluidic chip for fluid viscosity measurements in the range from 1 mPatextperiodcentereds to 100 mPatextperiodcentereds is proposed. The device allows the use of small sample volumes (textless 1 $mu$L) and the measurement of viscosity as a function of temperature. Thanks to the precise control of the force exerted on dielectric spheres by optical beams, the viscosity of fluids is assessed by comparing the experimentally observed movement of dielectric beads produced by the optical forces with that expected by numerical calculations. The chip and the developed technique are validated by analyzing several fluids, such as Milli-Q water, ethanol and water-glycerol mixtures. The results show a good agreement between the experimental values and those reported in the literature. The extremely reduced volume of the sample required and the high flexibility of this technique make it a good candidate for measuring a wide range of viscosity values as well as for the analysis of nonlinear viscosity in complex fluids.},
keywords = {Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In the present work, an integrated optofluidic chip for fluid viscosity measurements in the range from 1 mPatextperiodcentereds to 100 mPatextperiodcentereds is proposed. The device allows the use of small sample volumes (textless 1 $mu$L) and the measurement of viscosity as a function of temperature. Thanks to the precise control of the force exerted on dielectric spheres by optical beams, the viscosity of fluids is assessed by comparing the experimentally observed movement of dielectric beads produced by the optical forces with that expected by numerical calculations. The chip and the developed technique are validated by analyzing several fluids, such as Milli-Q water, ethanol and water-glycerol mixtures. The results show a good agreement between the experimental values and those reported in the literature. The extremely reduced volume of the sample required and the high flexibility of this technique make it a good candidate for measuring a wide range of viscosity values as well as for the analysis of nonlinear viscosity in complex fluids. |
P Minzioni, R Osellame, C Sada, S Zhao, F G Omenetto, K B Gylfason, T Haraldsson, Y Zhang, A Ozcan, A Wax, D Erickson, D Sinton Roadmap for optofluidics Journal Article Journal of Optics (United Kingdom), 19 (9), 2017. Abstract | Links | Tags: Optofluidics, Roadmap @article{Minzioni2017,
title = {Roadmap for optofluidics},
author = {P Minzioni and R Osellame and C Sada and S Zhao and F G Omenetto and K B Gylfason and T Haraldsson and Y Zhang and A Ozcan and A Wax and D Erickson and D Sinton},
doi = {10.1088/2040-8986/aa783b},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Optics (United Kingdom)},
volume = {19},
number = {9},
abstract = {Optofluidics, nominally the research area where optics and fluidics merge, is a relatively new research field and it is only in the last decade that there has been a large increase in the number of optofluidic applications, as well as in the number of research groups, devoted to the topic. Nowadays optofluidics applications include, without being limited to, lab-on-a-chip devices, fluid-based and controlled lenses, optical sensors for fluids and for suspended particles, biosensors, imaging tools, etc. The long list of potential optofluidics applications, which have been recently demonstrated, suggests that optofluidic technologies will become more and more common in everyday life in the future, causing a significant impact on many aspects of our society. A characteristic of this research field, deriving from both its interdisciplinary origin and applications, is that in order to develop suitable solutions a combination of a deep knowledge in different fields, ranging from materials science to photonics, from microfluidics to molecular biology and biophysics, is often required. As a direct consequence, also being able to understand the long-term evolution of optofluidics research is not easy. In this article, we report several expert contributions on different topics so as to provide guidance for young scientists. At the same time, we hope that this document will also prove useful for funding institutions and stakeholders to better understand the perspectives and opportunities offered by this research field.},
keywords = {Optofluidics, Roadmap},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Optofluidics, nominally the research area where optics and fluidics merge, is a relatively new research field and it is only in the last decade that there has been a large increase in the number of optofluidic applications, as well as in the number of research groups, devoted to the topic. Nowadays optofluidics applications include, without being limited to, lab-on-a-chip devices, fluid-based and controlled lenses, optical sensors for fluids and for suspended particles, biosensors, imaging tools, etc. The long list of potential optofluidics applications, which have been recently demonstrated, suggests that optofluidic technologies will become more and more common in everyday life in the future, causing a significant impact on many aspects of our society. A characteristic of this research field, deriving from both its interdisciplinary origin and applications, is that in order to develop suitable solutions a combination of a deep knowledge in different fields, ranging from materials science to photonics, from microfluidics to molecular biology and biophysics, is often required. As a direct consequence, also being able to understand the long-term evolution of optofluidics research is not easy. In this article, we report several expert contributions on different topics so as to provide guidance for young scientists. At the same time, we hope that this document will also prove useful for funding institutions and stakeholders to better understand the perspectives and opportunities offered by this research field. |
T Yang, Y Chen, P Minzioni A review on optical actuators for microfluidic systems Journal Article Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 27 (12), 2017. Abstract | Links | Tags: Optofluidics @article{Yang2017a,
title = {A review on optical actuators for microfluidic systems},
author = {T Yang and Y Chen and P Minzioni},
doi = {10.1088/1361-6439/aa9207},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering},
volume = {27},
number = {12},
abstract = {During the last few decades microfluidic systems have become more and more popular and their relevance in different fields is continually growing. In fact, the use of microchannels allows a significant reduction of the required sample-volume and opens the way to a completely new set of possible investigations, including the study of the properties of cells, the development of new cells' separation techniques and the analysis of single-cell proteins. One of the main differences between microscopic and macroscopic systems is obviously dictated by the need for suitable actuation mechanisms, which should allow precise control of microscopic fluid volumes and of micro-samples inside the fluid. Even if both syringe-pump and pneumatic-pump technologies significantly evolved and they currently enable sub-$mu$L samples control, completely new approaches were recently developed for the manipulation of samples inside the microchannel. This review is dedicated to describing different kinds of optical actuators that can be applied in microfluidic systems for sample manipulation as well as for pumping. The basic principles underlying the optical actuation mechanisms will be described first, and then several experimental demonstrations will be reviewed and compared.},
keywords = {Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
During the last few decades microfluidic systems have become more and more popular and their relevance in different fields is continually growing. In fact, the use of microchannels allows a significant reduction of the required sample-volume and opens the way to a completely new set of possible investigations, including the study of the properties of cells, the development of new cells' separation techniques and the analysis of single-cell proteins. One of the main differences between microscopic and macroscopic systems is obviously dictated by the need for suitable actuation mechanisms, which should allow precise control of microscopic fluid volumes and of micro-samples inside the fluid. Even if both syringe-pump and pneumatic-pump technologies significantly evolved and they currently enable sub-$mu$L samples control, completely new approaches were recently developed for the manipulation of samples inside the microchannel. This review is dedicated to describing different kinds of optical actuators that can be applied in microfluidic systems for sample manipulation as well as for pumping. The basic principles underlying the optical actuation mechanisms will be described first, and then several experimental demonstrations will be reviewed and compared. |
2016
|
T Yang, F Bragheri, G Nava, I Chiodi, C Mondello, R Osellame, K Berg-Sørensen, I Cristiani, P Minzioni A comprehensive strategy for the analysis of acoustic compressibility and optical deformability on single cells Journal Article Scientific Reports, 6 , 2016. Abstract | Links | Tags: Integrated, Microfluidic chip, Optofluidics @article{Yang2016a,
title = {A comprehensive strategy for the analysis of acoustic compressibility and optical deformability on single cells},
author = {T Yang and F Bragheri and G Nava and I Chiodi and C Mondello and R Osellame and K Berg-Sørensen and I Cristiani and P Minzioni},
doi = {10.1038/srep23946},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {6},
abstract = {We realized an integrated microfluidic chip that allows measuring both optical deformability and acoustic compressibility on single cells, by optical stretching and acoustophoresis experiments respectively. Additionally, we propose a measurement protocol that allows evaluating the experimental apparatus parameters before performing the cell-characterization experiments, including a non-destructive method to characterize the optical force distribution inside the microchannel. The chip was used to study important cell-mechanics parameters in two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB231. Results indicate that MDA-MB231 has both higher acoustic compressibility and higher optical deformability than MCF7, but statistical analysis shows that optical deformability and acoustic compressibility are not correlated parameters. This result suggests the possibility to use them to analyze the response of different cellular structures. We also demonstrate that it is possible to perform both measurements on a single cell, and that the order of the two experiments does not affect the retrieved values.},
keywords = {Integrated, Microfluidic chip, Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We realized an integrated microfluidic chip that allows measuring both optical deformability and acoustic compressibility on single cells, by optical stretching and acoustophoresis experiments respectively. Additionally, we propose a measurement protocol that allows evaluating the experimental apparatus parameters before performing the cell-characterization experiments, including a non-destructive method to characterize the optical force distribution inside the microchannel. The chip was used to study important cell-mechanics parameters in two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB231. Results indicate that MDA-MB231 has both higher acoustic compressibility and higher optical deformability than MCF7, but statistical analysis shows that optical deformability and acoustic compressibility are not correlated parameters. This result suggests the possibility to use them to analyze the response of different cellular structures. We also demonstrate that it is possible to perform both measurements on a single cell, and that the order of the two experiments does not affect the retrieved values. |
2015
|
R Martinez Vazquez, G Nava, M Veglione, T Yang, F Bragheri, P Minzioni, E Bianchi, M Di Tano, I Chiodi, R Osellame, C Mondello, I Cristiani An optofluidic constriction chip for monitoring metastatic potential and drug response of cancer cells Journal Article Integrative Biology (United Kingdom), 7 (4), pp. 477–484, 2015. Abstract | Links | Tags: Optofluidics @article{MartinezVazquez2015,
title = {An optofluidic constriction chip for monitoring metastatic potential and drug response of cancer cells},
author = {R {Martinez Vazquez} and G Nava and M Veglione and T Yang and F Bragheri and P Minzioni and E Bianchi and M {Di Tano} and I Chiodi and R Osellame and C Mondello and I Cristiani},
doi = {10.1039/c5ib00023h},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Integrative Biology (United Kingdom)},
volume = {7},
number = {4},
pages = {477--484},
abstract = {Cellular mechanical properties constitute good markers to characterize tumor cells, to study cell population heterogeneity and to highlight the effect of drug treatments. In this work, we describe the fabrication and validation of an integrated optofluidic chip capable of analyzing cellular deformability on the basis of the pressure gradient needed to push a cell through a narrow constriction. We demonstrate the ability of the chip to discriminate between tumorigenic and metastatic breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB231) and between human melanoma cells with different metastatic potential (A375P and A375MC2). Moreover, we show that this chip allows highlighting the effect of drugs interfering with microtubule organization (paclitaxel, combretastatin A-4 and nocodazole) on cancer cells, which leads to changes in the pressure-gradient required to push cells through the constriction. Our single-cell microfluidic device for mechanical evaluation is compact and easy to use, allowing for an extensive use in different laboratory environments.},
keywords = {Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Cellular mechanical properties constitute good markers to characterize tumor cells, to study cell population heterogeneity and to highlight the effect of drug treatments. In this work, we describe the fabrication and validation of an integrated optofluidic chip capable of analyzing cellular deformability on the basis of the pressure gradient needed to push a cell through a narrow constriction. We demonstrate the ability of the chip to discriminate between tumorigenic and metastatic breast cancer cells (MCF7 and MDA-MB231) and between human melanoma cells with different metastatic potential (A375P and A375MC2). Moreover, we show that this chip allows highlighting the effect of drugs interfering with microtubule organization (paclitaxel, combretastatin A-4 and nocodazole) on cancer cells, which leads to changes in the pressure-gradient required to push cells through the constriction. Our single-cell microfluidic device for mechanical evaluation is compact and easy to use, allowing for an extensive use in different laboratory environments. |
T Yang, P Paiè, G Nava, F Bragheri, R M Vazquez, P Minzioni, M Veglione, M Di Tano, C Mondello, R Osellame, R Osellame, I Cristiani An integrated optofluidic device for single-cell sorting driven by mechanical properties Journal Article Lab on a Chip, 15 (5), pp. 1262–1266, 2015. Abstract | Links | Tags: LabOnChip, Optofluidics @article{Yang2015,
title = {An integrated optofluidic device for single-cell sorting driven by mechanical properties},
author = {T Yang and P Pai{è} and G Nava and F Bragheri and R M Vazquez and P Minzioni and M Veglione and M {Di Tano} and C Mondello and R Osellame and R Osellame and I Cristiani},
doi = {10.1039/c4lc01496k},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Lab on a Chip},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {1262--1266},
abstract = {We present a novel optofluidic device for real-time sorting on the basis of cell mechanical properties, measured by optical stretching. The whole mechanism, based on optical forces, does not hamper the viability of the tested cells, which can be used for further analysis. The device effectiveness is demonstrated by extracting a sample population enriched with highly metastatic cells from a heterogeneous cell mixture.},
keywords = {LabOnChip, Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
We present a novel optofluidic device for real-time sorting on the basis of cell mechanical properties, measured by optical stretching. The whole mechanism, based on optical forces, does not hamper the viability of the tested cells, which can be used for further analysis. The device effectiveness is demonstrated by extracting a sample population enriched with highly metastatic cells from a heterogeneous cell mixture. |
T Yang, G Nava, P Minzioni, M Veglione, F Bragheri, F D Lelii, R M Vazquez, R Osellame, I Cristiani Investigation of temperature effect on cell mechanics by optofluidic microchips Journal Article Biomedical Optics Express, 6 (8), pp. 2991–2996, 2015. Abstract | Links | Tags: LabOnChip, Microfluidic chip, Optofluidics @article{Yang2015a,
title = {Investigation of temperature effect on cell mechanics by optofluidic microchips},
author = {T Yang and G Nava and P Minzioni and M Veglione and F Bragheri and F D Lelii and R M Vazquez and R Osellame and I Cristiani},
doi = {10.1364/BOE.6.002991},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Biomedical Optics Express},
volume = {6},
number = {8},
pages = {2991--2996},
abstract = {Here we present the results of a study concerning the effect of temperature on cell mechanical properties. Two different optofluidic microchips with external temperature control are used to investigate the temperature-induced changes of highly metastatic human melanoma cells (A375MC2) in the range of ~0 – 35 °C. By means of an integrated optical stretcher, we observe that cells' optical deformability is strongly enhanced by increasing cell and buffer-fluid temperature. This finding is supported by the results obtained from a second device, which probes the cells' ability to be squeezed through a constriction. Measured data demonstrate a marked dependence of cell mechanical properties on temperature, thus highlighting the importance of including a proper temperature-control system in the experimental apparatus.},
keywords = {LabOnChip, Microfluidic chip, Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Here we present the results of a study concerning the effect of temperature on cell mechanical properties. Two different optofluidic microchips with external temperature control are used to investigate the temperature-induced changes of highly metastatic human melanoma cells (A375MC2) in the range of ~0 – 35 °C. By means of an integrated optical stretcher, we observe that cells' optical deformability is strongly enhanced by increasing cell and buffer-fluid temperature. This finding is supported by the results obtained from a second device, which probes the cells' ability to be squeezed through a constriction. Measured data demonstrate a marked dependence of cell mechanical properties on temperature, thus highlighting the importance of including a proper temperature-control system in the experimental apparatus. |
C Liberale, G Cojoc, V Rajamanickam, L Ferrara, F Bragheri, P Minzioni, G Perozziello, P Candeloro, I Cristiani, E di Fabrizio Miniaturized optical tweezers through fiber-end microfabrication Book 2015. Abstract | Links | Tags: Optical tweezers, Optofluidics @book{Liberale2015,
title = {Miniaturized optical tweezers through fiber-end microfabrication},
author = {C Liberale and G Cojoc and V Rajamanickam and L Ferrara and F Bragheri and P Minzioni and G Perozziello and P Candeloro and I Cristiani and E di Fabrizio},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-06998-2_8},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
booktitle = {Springer Series in Surface Sciences},
volume = {56},
pages = {159--180},
abstract = {Optical tweezers represent a powerful tool for a variety of applications both in biology and in physics, and their miniaturization and full integration is of great interest so as to reduce size (towards portable systems), and to minimize the required intervention from the operator. Optical fibers represent a natural solution to achieve this goal, and here we review the realization of single-fiber optical tweezers able to create a purely optical three-dimensional trap.},
keywords = {Optical tweezers, Optofluidics},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {book}
}
Optical tweezers represent a powerful tool for a variety of applications both in biology and in physics, and their miniaturization and full integration is of great interest so as to reduce size (towards portable systems), and to minimize the required intervention from the operator. Optical fibers represent a natural solution to achieve this goal, and here we review the realization of single-fiber optical tweezers able to create a purely optical three-dimensional trap. |