June 30, 2021

Microfluidic chips, the next rev...


In recent years, microfluidics has developed rapidly with the development of technology. Microfluidics is the science and technology of microscale (tens to hundreds of microns) integrated channel systems. Trace amounts of liquid (typically 10-9 to 10-18 liters) flow under the control of the system by a specific model. The development of such a high-tech microfluidics has actually been heard for decades, and the requirement of microvolume and planarization for biochemical analysis was a good driving force for the development of microfluidics. Since then, the concept of "wafer labs" and microscale integrated analysis systems (μTAS) has been gradually established.

In microfluidic fields, the specific surface area increases as the size of the fluid decreases, showing characteristics different from those of macroscopic fluids. In this paper, three main characteristics of microfluidics are considered: high efficiency of mass heat transfer, relative advantage of viscosity over inertial forces, and significant surface effects. In addition, the highly integrated microfluidic system also promotes the coexistence of multiple fluid phases and multiple interactions. Such properties make it possible to control and manipulate single fluids and fluid interfaces using microdevices, allowing microfluidics to be used in a wide range of applications in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering.

Bonding and lamination of microfluidic chips

Today, I would like to discuss with you the revolutionary impact of microfluidics on biochemistry. The application of microfluidics in biochemistry can be very wide, which involves enzyme analysis, DNA analysis (such as polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing), proteomics analysis, etc. The basic idea of microfluidic biochip is to integrate assay operations, sample processing and sample preparation into a single chip, which gives it high-throughput characteristics. The chip can also play an important role in clinical pathology, especially in the direct diagnosis of diseases. In addition, microfluidic-based devices, such as those that can continuously sample air or water samples, and real-time detection devices can be used to detect biochemical toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to the above-mentioned assays, microfluidics has become a powerful tool for biologists to study and control the cellular environment, and a "godsend" for new discoveries in cell growth, aging, etc. Next, we will look at some specific examples of how microfluidics performs its role.

In terms of bioanalysis, microfluidics shines in ions, small molecules, and biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins, which have led to a revolution in many standard biomolecular techniques. It is a platform for technologies such as multiplex enzyme chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, droplet microfluidics, a microfluid, has been able to be successfully analyzed at the cellular level, and many classical cellular manipulations can be done in microdroplets.

Previously, when talking about chemical reactions, the jars and bottles that could not be cleaned by any brush were the ones that came to mind. But today, microfluidic droplets can exist as a small chemical reactor, and researchers can achieve precise control over their environment. It is used in a wide variety of reactions, including titration, precipitation, hydrolysis, etc. A good example is the droplet microfluidic platform for the anticoagulant argatroban. Using this technology, researchers can determine the appropriate dose of argatroban by measuring clotting time with partial thrombospondin kinase activation time on a single wafer. In addition to the aqueous phase reaction, microdroplets also support the organic phase reaction. However, at this time, the materials used to make the instrument must be carefully selected to avoid deformation of the tube due to corrosion by organic solvents. Sulfur hydroxyl polymers are a good choice and have a better organic stability compared to PDMS materials.

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June 16, 2021

New microfluidic device improves...


A new microfluidic device allows scientific researchers to create alternating electric fields in a three-dimensional natural environment.

Malaysian researchers have designed a three-dimensional microfluidic shaping service platform to test the therapeutic effects of cancer treatment electric fields, a new form of cancer treatment based on the alternating electric fields that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of malignant gliomas, reports McMasters.

The 3D microfluidic device was developed and designed by an elite team of scientists from the Malaysia-MIT Science Research and Technology Consortium, who created an alternating electric field in a 3D natural environment that is more physiologically appropriate than the standard 3D cell culture media service platform.

This research has shown that electric field therapy reduces the migration and spread of tumour cells. Excitingly, the growth and development rate of tumour cells treated with electric field therapy was reduced by 35% relative to tumour cells that were not treated with electric field therapy. For non-tumour cells, such as endothelial cells around the capillaries surrounding malignant tumours, there was no significant harm.

Microfluidics

"With this 3D microfluidic device, physicians will be able to specify the amount of electric field resistance necessary for each patient to be treated, enhancing their treatment outcome."

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June 01, 2021

Selection and use of disposable catering enterpr...


wooden fork

During the Spring Festival, family gatherings are essential. Some families are accustomed to buy disposable plastic lunch boxes before the Spring Festival, because relatives and friends, dishes and cups and plates such as dishes are not enough or to reduce the trouble of washing dishes. In this regard, the city consumer association organization work management personnel to recommend that the general public in the purchase and use of disposable catering products pay attention to the "five look".

According to the production of materials used, mainly PET (polyethylene terephthalate) PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), and PS (polystyrene), four materials are non-toxic, odorless and tasteless. PE is generally not used for food packaging, PP can be heated in the microwave oven. Cycle mark 1-7 each speaks, logo 5 can be recycled. Consumers in the purchase and use of disposable plastic tableware products, be sure to pay attention to the following six points: 1, look at the logo. To see if there is a QS logo, production license number, manufacturer, production address and other information to improve product quality assurance. Should choose products with good packaging, pay attention to the production date and shelf life, try to choose products within the shelf life, in case there are bacteria, mold; look at the appearance. To buy smooth surface, uniform color disposable plastic catering utensils, try to choose no decorative pattern of colorless transparent products; look at the smell. 4, look at the smell: you can first smell there is no strange smell, odor, to prevent the use of food and food crosstalk, affecting food safety. Whether the product is too soft to pinch, try not to choose too soft to pinch the product.

Posted by: wanshiwu at 08:03 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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