Conference language is English.
Focal Topics: Micro- and Nanofluidic Systems and Components, Lab-on-a-chip, Organ/body-on-a-chip, Microarrays, Bio-MEMS/NEMS, Biosensors, Microfabrication Techniques and Materials, Modelling, Simulation, Design and Testing Tools, Data Processing and Analysis, Instruments, Reagents and Consumables
Autoantibodies associated with risk of subclinical autoimmunity and immune-related adverse events from checkpoint immunotherapy
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
USA
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as highly promising treatment for lung cancer. However, some patients develop immune adverse events. We collected serum from 78 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors and determined autoantibody profiles against 125 autoantigens. In general, the greatest increases in autoantibody levels were among individuals with the highest baseline autoantibody levels. Elevated baseline levels of autoantibodies were associated with the development of immune-related adverse events, with 4 autoantibodies having significantly higher levels in the toxicity group (P<0.05). Immune-related adverse events were also more common among cases with greater post-treatment increase in antibody levels, with 10 antibodies significantly increased in toxicity group (P<0.05). These autoantibodies may potential markers for prediction of immune-related adverse events from immune checkpoint therapy.
Impedance spectroscopy with fish cell lines to create a biosensor on a chip for chemical impact monitoring
SWISS FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF AQUATIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (EAWAG)
Switzerland
Fish are important indicator species for the aquatic environment, and millions of fish are sacrificed annually in toxicity experiments. One alternative is the use of fish cells; cell lines of different species and organs exist, can be cultured in the lab indefinitely, and employed in a variety of in vitro assays. One such assay is impedance sensing: cells are seeded on an electrode chip and resistance is measured in real-time, reflecting the health status of the cells. A decrease in resistance is an indicator for loss of cell viability as can be elicited, for example, by exposure to chemicals. We develop such setups for flow-through exposures and water quality monitoring.
Gate-coupling and Single-trap Effects for Sensitivity Enhancement in Nanowire Field-effect Transistor Biosensors
FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JÜLICH, BIOELECTRONICS (ICS-8)
Germany
Nanowires are unique nanomaterial promising for many fundamental studies as well as for nano - and bioelectronics applications. We develop biosensors based on nanowires for the early detection of cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s diseases. Based on our comprehensive studies on transport and noise phenomena in the fabricated devices, we propose novel approaches on the basis of gate-couling and single-trap effectrs for the detection of the target biomarkers with enhanced sensitivity for advanced biosensing. The developed approach opens prospects for diagnosis of the diseases in real-time at the early stages when therapy can be effectively applied to restore the healthy state of the patient.
Bringing biological content into Biochip and Biosensor systems: Scaling of multiplexed diagnostic test production on Biochips and Biosensors using ultra-low liquid volume dispensing
SCIENION AG
Germany
Most rapid diagnostic tests work by capturing molecules on a solid surface. Surfaces can contain discrete binding sites for analytes carrying a specific capture molecule. The trend in the miniaturization of diagnostic test systems with the intention to increase throughput and decrease cost, requires precise handling of picoliter to nanoliter liquid volumes. Due to the possibility to use only picoliter amounts of reagents, test production costs can be significantly decreased. In addition, due to the smaller feature size of the analytes, introducing multiple other analytes onto the same test area can be easily achieved. A technology platform for seamless use from R&D to production, which delivers ultra-low volumes very accurately onto any surface, enables short development times. Sophisticated optical systems for online alignment, calibration and quality control of goods produced are important from the first development steps. www.scienion.com
An apparatus for instant DNA-identification using antenna-enhanced fluorescence
FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICAL MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES IPM
GERMANY
Single molecule detection via plasmonic amplification of fluorescence may become an alternative to PCR. We present a novel apparatus designed for the point-of-care, which can prepare, conduct and analyze plasmonic assays on a chip. In comparison to conventional PCR methods, the device benefits from a reduced technical complexity. This is reflected in the small sized low cost device, and a fast analysis. Additionally, the method can – in principle – also be applied to different targets like antibodies/antigens. A disposable cartridge is used to process the chemical reactions. Fluorescence signals from a microarray are detected in a miniaturized microscope with < 2 µm resolution. The technical realization and first results for amplified DNA-detection are subject to this presentation. Funded by BMBF, 03VP03892.
A universal platform for nucleic acid based point-of-care diagnostics
FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE FOR PHYSICAL MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES IPM
Germany
We developed a novel platform based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By combining microfluidic integration and a fully automated processing unit, we achieve an overall processing of about 45 minutes. The microfluidic elements are combined into a disposable disk with no active elements which has all reagents prestored. All active components, particularly the rotation unit, the heating unit, and the fluorescence readout module are integrated into a fully automated device designed for the point-of-care. The functional units of the platform will be presented. Special emphasis is given on the fast thermocycling based on a non-equilibrium approach with direct infrared liquid heating. The platform has been tested with assays for resistant pathogens. Funded by BMBF, 031A586C.
The mycotoxin detection by graphene-based aptasensor
BIOSENSE INSTITUTE
Serbia
We report an on-chip aptasensor for ochratoxin A (OTA) toxin detection that is based on a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET). Graphene-based devices are fabricated via large-scale technology, allowing for upscaling the sensor fabrication and lowering the device cost. The sensor assembly was performed through covalent bonding of graphene’s surface with an specific to OTA aptamer. Fast (within 5 min) response to OTA was demonstrated with a detection limit of 4 pg/mL. We demonstrated the regeneration of sensor with time constant of the sensor only 5.6 s, meaning fast sensor regeneration for multiple usages. The high reproducibility of the sensing response was demonstrated via using several recycling procedures as well as various GFETs. The developed platform opens the way for multiplex sensing of different toxins using an on-chip array of graphene sensors.
The Power of a Micropump
INSTITUT JEAN LAMOUR/UNIVERSITÉ DE LORRAINE
France
Knowledge of the electromagnetic properties of cells can provide early signals of disease or abnormal conditions in the human body for medical applications. In combination with microfluidic devices, impedance spectroscopy can be a powerful tool for sorting, analyzing, counting and discriminating cells. Thus we propose a microfluidic biosensor combined to a matrix-shaped structure of electrodes. It allows different configurations of measurement such as single cell, agregat of cells or tomography. From the results already obtained, we show a good sensibility to detect a single sample of 10 µm and a backer yeast culture difference.
Online Monitoring of The Power of a Micropump
FRAUNHOFER IPMS
GERMANY
In this talk, a bulk Si-based micropump based on an electrostatic driving principle called nanoscopic electrotstatic drive (nano E-drive or just NED) will be presented. A comparison to commercially available micropumps will be given as well as first characterization results. Furthermore, the same actuation principle can be used to create valve components which can be merged with the micropumps. An outline includes possible fields of application.
Mechanical Contribution of stromal cells to the formation of human vasculature
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
UK
This is a project which is on the role of stromal cells in the formation and stabilization of human blood vessels. To address that we employed a microfluidic platform consisted of 3 channels. Also we recruited GFP-endothelial cells and normal human lung fibroblasts. By mono-culturing and co-culturing ECs, also applying chemical inhibitors and si-RNA approach to perturb some genes belonging to mechanotransduction pathways, we could show that fibroblasts contribute mechanically to the human vessel formation.
Microfluidic drop reactors for fabrication in drug delivery
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
UK
Microfluidics provide the opportunity of formation and manipulation of monodisperse drops of submillimetre size with possibilities for drug encapsulation. Drops can be further solidified in tailored way to guarantee the prescribed drug release profile. The main problem in microfluidic production of solid particles is channel clogging. Here we suggest a combination of flow microfluidics with drop microreactors which enables avoidance of this problem. As an example we use the synthesis of alginate gel particles by drop coalescence allowing isolation of a gelated alginate particle inside the drop of calcium chloride moving inside the continuous oil phase. The properties of alginate particles can be controlled by mass transfer inside the combined drop, being a function of process parameters.
Amino acids and their derivatives as platforms for photonic integrated circuits
HOLON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Israel
Bioinspired peptide nanostructures have gained much attention in recent years in the field of nanotechnology and are considered as a new frontier in materials science. These bioorganic materials are self-assembled into nanoarchitectures of different morphology and size, and have crystalline structure. Optical waveguiding phenomena in bioinspired nanostructures can be used to revolutionize emerging fields of precision medical trials and health monitoring In this talk, I will present various types of bioinspired materials and show how these materials can be used as raw materials for photonic integrated devices. I will focus on optical waveguiding property in Histidine-based back-to-back trapezoid microstructure, and show top-down approach to construct various types of optical devices based on derivatives of Phenylalanine amino acid.
Artificial leukemic bone marrow on a chip
KARLSRUHE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Germany
We have developed a model of a leukemic bone marrow for the in vitro evaluation of chimeric antigen receptor-T- cell (CAR) specificity and potency. The model is based on a polymer microcavity array that is arranged on a chip which is then inserted into a bioreactor housing. For the establishment of the model we used human mesenchymal stromal cells and the ALL line Nalm-6. After 24 h of co-culture we added 3rd generation chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cells (effector:target-ratio = 10:1) and cultivated the chip for 72 h. With this model we were able to show that CAR-T-cells attack leukemic cells in their niche and that after 72 h only 12% of the leukemic cells could be detected.
PAcrAm™-Biosense: a single-step biofunctionalization for highly sensitive diagnostics
SUSOS AG
Switzerland
Until today selective and targeted functionalization in biochips and IVD-devices remains challenging. Particularly the bio-functionaltion of sensing devices, specifically reactive to a target moiety, while preventing any non-specific interactions with the sensing interface. In this contribution we will present PAcrAm™-Biosens, a novel biosensing surface-functionalization routine that is able to improve selectivity, reduce non-specific binding and provide stable multimodal surface function for surface-bound in-vitro diagnostics. Combining non-fouling polymers with reaction-specific azides (N3), we demonstrate the excellent performance of the PAcrAm™-Biosense coating in targeted binding of functionalized biomolecules. Thereby, PAcrAm™-Biosens combines the unique features of providing both low non-specific binding and targeted specific binding in a single dip-and-rinse coating applied from aqueous solutions, compatible with state-of-the-art production processes. www.susos.com
Novel approaches for developing of self-assembled protein microarrays for non-contact printers robots
CANCER RESEARCH CENTER. UNIVERSITY OF SALAMANCA-CSIC
España
Understanding the dynamic of the proteome is a critical challenge because it requires high- sensitive methodologies in High-Throughput (HT) formats in order to decipher its modifications and complexity. HT experimental proteomics techniques are essential to provide valuable functional information of the proteins, peptides and the interconnections between them. Hence, Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays ( NAPPA), as a proteomics technology has been successfully employed in several research areas towards innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Here, it is presented a novel approach to design and developed self-assembled protein arrays in a non-contact printer with outstanding advantages which have been successfully applied in study host-pathogen interactions and serum profiling for biomarker discovery in auto-immune and tumoral diseases.
Organ on a chip for modeling tumorigenesis and primary ovarian cancer metastasis
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
USA
Ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer related death in women. It is now recognized that a large percentage of high grade serous ovarian cancers arise in the fallopian tube and colonize the ovary as the primary metastatic step. Since one of the largest tumor masses tends to be found in the ovary after diagnosis, this raises the possibility that the ovary contributes to tumor spread and aggressiveness. One of the risk factors associated with ovarian cancer is the lifetime number of ovulations. Few models are currently available that allow the process of ovulation and the development of ovarian cancer to be studied. To address this gap, we propose to create in vitro models of the fallopian-ovarian interaction within a normal ovulation context to examine key aspects of the ovarian microenvironment during tumor initiation and progression.
Precise Contactless Spotting for Lab-on-Chip Applications
MICRODROP TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
Germany
Lab-on-chip devices as small microfluidic devices equipped with microchannels carry out diagnostic tests by enabling reactions between patient samples and reagents. The devices deliver test results with very small sample volumes in a short period of time. For production of lab-on-chip devices a precise, fast material deposition method is needed. Typically, the devices are produced at high numbers under high throughput conditions. The substrates may be made of different materials but all have a structured surface like channels. Deposition or Spotting of reagents onto the chip is a demanding task and requires filling of small cavities and microchannels with a high accuracy. This can be done with a microspotting platform based on in inkjet technology. The flexibility of this technology allows solutions adapted to the specific customer needs. It is demonstrated how high accurate the volume of spotted reagents and precise of placement is achieved under high throughput production conditions. www.microdrop.de
Lab-on-a-Chip Platform for Nucleic Acid detection on Microarrays - Bacterial Species Identification and Antibiotic Resistance Testing
BIFLOW SYSTEMS GMBH
Germany
A microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip technology platform for nucleic acid detection will be presented. The platform consists of fully-integrated microfluidic cartridges which are used with a tiny control and readout instrument. The cartridges contain integrated pumps, heaters and reagents. Sensing is performed by a fluorescence microarray integrated into the cartridges. The assays are run fully automatically. Applications will be shown, including bacterial species identification and antibiotic resistance detection for mastitis (veterinary diagnostics) and diabetic foot ulcers (human diagnostics). www.biflow-systems.com
Focal Topics: Micro and nanofabrication technologies (e.g., micromachining, 3D printing, polymer microfabrication, lithography), Microfabrication of microfluidics, biosensors, bioMEMS, and Micro/Nano components, Micro/Nano design, modeling, simulation, and testing，Process optimization, device packaging, and system integration, practical applications and engineering challenges in the micro-fabrication chain.
Maskless Aligner Technology for Thick Resist Applications
Heidelberg Instruments Mikrotechnik GmbH
GERMANY
The Maskless Aligner series was first introduced in 2015. Since then, the maskless technology has become firmly established in research labs worldwide as well as in many small to mid-volume micro fabrication facilities. Application areas include MEMS, microfluidics, micro-optics, sensors, electronic components and many more. This presentation will give you an insight into our maskless lithography technology with emphasis on thick resist applications and benefits for microfluidic applications in particular.
'All in One' Epoxy-Based Microfluidic Chips at Your Fingertips
CNRS
FRANCE
The choice of materials used in chip fabrication is crucial in microfluidics. They are selected based on production techniques and associated processes, involved characterization and measurement methods, experimental conditions, and cost. Here, we propose an original approach using a combination of epoxy materials to fabricate manually resealable and reusable (>40 times) microfluidic chips which demonstrate numerous potentialities: chemical resistance, optical (visible and X-ray) transparency, biocompatibility, capability to undergo in average 2.9 bar of liquid pressure, high aspect ratio (>1500) channels. It thus represents a promising alternative for prototyping in a large panel of applications and fundamental studies.
E-PunCh – A chip-integrated and non-mechanical micropump based on the electrowetting effect
5microns GmbH
GERMANY
In the presentation, a fully chip-integrated micropump is introduced. The novelty of this micropump and its unique selling point lies in the absence of any moving parts through the implementation of passive Tesla valves and the application of the electrowetting-on-dielectrics (EWOD) effect as actuation method as well as in its precision dispensing capability. Manufacturing is based on standard MEMS technology processes and works fully parallelized on wafer-level. The principle of operation is presented, the manufacturing process as well as possible application scenarios are discussed.
Fast Prototyping of Microfluidic Devices by SLA/DLP 3D Printers
Nehir Biyoteknoloji Ltd
TURKIYE
3D Printers are important elements for microfluidic research in current time. Our team use this technique for fabrication of various accessories to be used together with PDMS microfluidic devices such as fittings, connectors, holders, molds, manual valves, power free actuators, sensor cartridges, instrument prototypes, and more. 3D printing of these components both provide quick and affordable mass fabrication and more importantly ensure custom fabrication for the needs of special designs of the research. Although its increased popularity, the main limiting factor is the materials to be used with chips and it is needed to have better composite resins for biological and chemical studies.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
..
3D-printed millifluidic devices for chemical processing industries
3D-printed millifluidic devices for chemical processing industries
CROATIA
The talk will present the advances of additive manufacturing in chemical engineering and the research conducted at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology in this field. Two independent researches will be presented. The first investigated the possibility of using 3D-printing technologies to fabricate droplet generators capable of producing stable dispersions with well-defined particle sizes by modifying the operating conditions and channel surface properties. In the second, an inertial millifluidic separator was fabricated in which a two-phase mixture of water and three different powders is separated by hydrodynamic forces occurring in the channels.
Lego microfluidic devices for glass capillary microfluidics
Loughborough University
UNITED KINGDOM
In this presentation new Lego droplet microfluidic devices manufactured by CNC milling will be presented. The devices are composed of coaxial assemblies of glass capillaries and Lego blocks and can be used for controllable generation of monodispersed single and multiple emulsion droplets and microcapsules. In my presentation I will cover the design of these devices and potential applications.
Deep X-ray lithography for the fabrication of unconventional microfluidic devices
Graz University of Technology
AUSTRIA
Deep X-ray lithography (DXRL) is a manufacturing process in which a material, which changes its dissolution rate in a solvent under high-energy irradiation, is exposed to synchrotron radiation through a mask. This allows obtaining structures with high aspect ratio, vertical sidewalls, 200 nm resolution, making DXRL a promising candidate for the fabrication of high aspect ratio microdevices with complex shapes. Recently, DXRL was used for top-down irradiation of novel materials prepared via bottom-up strategy. In this communication, we will describe both the fabrication of microfluidic circuits with traditional resists, and the patterning of functional materials to obtain new generation lab-on-chips.
Ultra-Precise MEMS Based Bio-Sensors
University of Southern California
USA
This talk attempts to review the stateof-the art MEMS sensors used for bio sensing applications. A device architecture based on the array of weakly coupled micromechanical resonators are reported. Owing to the weak coupling between the resonating elements in an array make these devices ultra-high sensitive to analytes/biomolecules. Due to the highly-precise output of such bio-sensors, resolution in the range of sub-actogram is also possible using such devices.
Photopolymerizable Biomaterials and Light-Based 3D Printing Strategies for Biomedical Applications
UW College of Engineering
USA
We will foucs on the development of biomaterials suited for light-based 3D printing modalities with an emphasis on bioprinting applications. Topics include the chemical mechanisms that govern photopolymerization and highlight the application of natural, synthetic, and composite biomaterials as 3D printed hydrogels. We will also discuss the theoretical and practical aspects behind light-based 3D printing as well as ways to employ that knowledge to troubleshoot and standardize the optimization of printing parameters
CellME Berlin - International Forum on Cell Manufacturing & Engineering.