News & Analysis
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Sticky tape valves for microfluidic devices Researchers have developed valves in microfluidic chips fabricated from sticky tape.
“In their recent publication,
Cooksey and Atencia have managed to create valves in the sticky tape devices, increasing the complexity of possible devices.
”
Scientists based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST; MD, USA) have developed working valves in microfluidic chips made from sticky tape. The NIST-based researchers first utilized sticky tape as a cheaper microfluidic fabrication alternative to the current technique of etching glass or plastic with photolithography. The scientists have previously fabricated sticky tape microfluidic devices by cutting narrow slits and holes in specific places on a strip of sticky tape, before folding over the tape so it sticks together, and then covering the whole structure in a plastic film that contains holes in the same places as the tape. Gregory Cooksey and Javia Atencia (NIST) were able to fabricate 2D and 3D microfluidic devices by joining together multiple strips of these sticky tapes. In their recent publication, Cooksey and Atencia have managed to create valves in the sticky tape devices, increasing the complexity of possible devices. Valves are traditionally
made from silicones; however, in this case, a thin membrane of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a flexible polymer, was placed between the folded ends of the sticky tape. Therefore, if two channels are lying on top of each other, applied air pressure will cause the PDMS to block off the bottom channel, acting as a valve. The authors state in their publication that, “The time required from conception to full fabrication of functional devices is within a few hours. A key characteristic of this technology is that devices are thin (typically less than 0.5 mm in thickness), which allows for the fabrication of devices with many layers. This feature also permits folding of devices into 3D structures having fully functional valves.” – Written by Lisa Parks Source: Cooksey G, Atencia J. Pneumatic valves in folded 2D and 3D fluidic devices made from plastic films and tapes. Lab Chip 14(10), 1665–1668 (2014).
New technique could be key to in-depth fingerprint analysis
part of
Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield, UK) have developed a MS-based technology that could be used to analyze fingerprints left at crime scenes. Working with West Yorkshire Police (Wakefield, UK), the scientists have trialled the technology by lifting marks found at the scenes of various crimes and then taking them back to their laboratories for analysis. Using the MALDI-MSI technology, the fingermarks, which are made up of materials from the surface of the skin and gland secretions, can be tested for substances of forensic interest, such as traces of drugs or hair and cleaning products. The MS-based
10.4155/BIO.14.134 © 2014 Future Science Ltd
Bioanalysis (2014) 6(12), 1581–1583
technology may also be used to determine the sex of the person who left the fingerprints. The researchers have demonstrated that the technology is compatible with the current methods used by forensic scientists in the UK, and following further funding received in 2011, it has been deemed to have potential to be adopted as a standard investigative policy. According to lead scientist, Simona Francese, working with West Yorkshire Police has taken MALDI-MSI closer to being used as a standard forensic procedure. Francese commented: “It is a valuable opportunity to
ISSN 1757-6180
1581
News & Analysis be able to gather authentic evidence that demonstrates the efficiency of MALDI-MSI to be used in order to provide additional intelligence to the investigators in real casework.”
– Written by Hannah Stanwix Source: Innovative fingerprint analysis is trialled by police: www.shu.ac.uk/mediacentre/innovative-fingerprintanalysis-trialled-police-1?filter=Crime-and-policing
Study rules out zinc as a potential biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease A recent study has added to the evidence against zinc being used as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), finding that decreasing levels of the metal are instead a sign of aging. The research, led by Blaine R Roberts from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health at the University of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia), used the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing to examine the zinc levels of more than 1000 subjects over the age of 65 years and determine if zinc levels in the blood could provide clinically useful information about a person’s risk of developing AD.
“
We calculate that the blood test we are developing will reduce the cost of patient recruitment for clinical trials by more than half, and help identify specific therapies to treat individuals with the pathology.
”
A small but significant decrease was found in serum zinc with age; however, no difference was found between males or females, and there was no difference between subjects with or without AD. Additional
investigation of a subset of the flagship study using sizeexclusion ICP MS reported no significant difference in the levels of zinc bound to proteins in the plasma of AD samples, compared with healthy controls. The study was published online days before an announcement that Roberts had received a prestigious challenge grant worth US$140,000 to validate a developmental blood test for AD, a project that Roberts hopes will yield greater understanding of how biomarkers and amyloid levels in the brain correlate. Commenting on that news, Roberts said: “We calculate that the blood test we are developing will reduce the cost of patient recruitment for clinical trials by more than half, and help identify specific therapies to treat individuals with the pathology.” – Written by James Potticary Sources: Rembach A, Hare DJ, Doecke JD et al. Decreased serum zinc is an effect of ageing and not Alzheimer’s disease. Metallomics 6(7), 1216–1219 (2014); Royal Society of Chemistry. Zinc ruled out as biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease: www. rsc.org/chemistryworld/2014/03/alzheimers-disease-serumzinc-ageing
DNA microarray offers accurate and low-cost blood group typing In a recent publication in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, a group of researchers presented an automated assay for blood group typing. The method offers advantages over conventional hemagglutination techniques for large-scale automated screening of blood cells for red blood cell antigens. The assay described by the team arises from an understanding of the molecular basis of blood antigens, which has allowed blood group typing by SNP analysis. The group tested their automated system, which uses 96-well DNA microarrays, by screening blood samples of known phenotype against eight SNPs. This allowed identification of 16 alleles across four blood group systems. The method was tested in 960 blood samples and a high concordance
1582
Bioanalysis (2014) 6(12)
rate of 99.92% was observed between predicted and known phenotypes. The team concluded that their system holds promise in offering an accurate and low-cost blood typing method, which can allow more detailed analysis of blood samples than traditional hemagglutination techniques. This has implications both in identifying donors of rare blood type and in preventing alloimmunization from occurring following blood transfusion procedures. – Written by Alice O’Hare Source: Paris S, Rigal D, Barlet V et al. Flexible automated platform for blood group genotyping on DNA microarrays. J. Mol. Diagn. 16(3), 335–342 (2014).
future science group
News & Analysis
Could optical glass fibers be the future in diagnostics? Collaborating research groups including Carleton University (ON, Canada), Université de Mons (Mons, Belgium) and Jinan University (Guangzhou, China) are developing a new lab-on-fiber method that uses optical glass fibers as platforms for chemical sensors to monitor biomarkers. The team coat the fibers with a thin layer of metal and then with aptamers that can detect different target molecules. A micro light source connected to the end of the fiber guides the light to the probe. Light is detected and analyzed using a spectrometer. The detection site is located in a short segment of a fiber’s outer surface.
“
Due to their low cost, small diameter, but large information-carrying capacity, optical glass fibers could be ideal for developing novel diagnostic tools.
”
Typically, in lab-on-chip technologies, analytes from a biological sample, such as a drop of blood, react with chemicals on the chip that then induce voltage changes or vary the current flowing through a conductor. However, among the downsides of current lab-on-chip technologies are the relatively large size for use in vivo, corrosion of metal sensors and toxicity to humans. Developing instruments that combine low cost and
portability with efficiency and reliability has been an ongoing challenge for scientists for many decades. Due to their low cost, small diameter, but large informationcarrying capacity, optical glass fibers could be ideal for developing novel diagnostic tools. Using optics would allow easy use in aqueous solutions and would mean that the probes are not affected by electromagnetic radiation or large ranges in temperatures. This work could potentially lead to further developments in diagnostics. The groups’ long-term goal is to develop a lab-on-fiber that can be used in vivo to monitor biological changes in real time. A potential future application could be in cancer screening technologies as an alternative to biopsies. For example, a fiber probe could be inserted directly in a blood vessel using a hypodermic needle and detect the presence of metastatic cells. Among the future challenges is finding a strategy to harden the probe’s surface coating to allow long-term storage without losing its binding properties to target molecules. – Written by Evgenia Koutsouki Source: IEEE Spectrum. How we’re shrinking chemical labs onto optical fibers: http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/ devices/how-were-shrinking-chemical-labs-onto-opticalfibers
The editorial team welcomes suggestions for timely, relevant items for inclusion in the news. If you have newsworthy information, please contact: Evgenia Koutsouki, Commissioning Editor, Bioanalysis E-mail: [email protected]
future science group
www.future-science.com
1583
For reprint orders, please contact [email protected]
Sticky tape valves for microfluidic devices Researchers have developed valves in microfluidic chips fabricated from sticky tape.
“In their recent publication,
Cooksey and Atencia have managed to create valves in the sticky tape devices, increasing the complexity of possible devices.
”
Scientists based at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST; MD, USA) have developed working valves in microfluidic chips made from sticky tape. The NIST-based researchers first utilized sticky tape as a cheaper microfluidic fabrication alternative to the current technique of etching glass or plastic with photolithography. The scientists have previously fabricated sticky tape microfluidic devices by cutting narrow slits and holes in specific places on a strip of sticky tape, before folding over the tape so it sticks together, and then covering the whole structure in a plastic film that contains holes in the same places as the tape. Gregory Cooksey and Javia Atencia (NIST) were able to fabricate 2D and 3D microfluidic devices by joining together multiple strips of these sticky tapes. In their recent publication, Cooksey and Atencia have managed to create valves in the sticky tape devices, increasing the complexity of possible devices. Valves are traditionally
made from silicones; however, in this case, a thin membrane of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a flexible polymer, was placed between the folded ends of the sticky tape. Therefore, if two channels are lying on top of each other, applied air pressure will cause the PDMS to block off the bottom channel, acting as a valve. The authors state in their publication that, “The time required from conception to full fabrication of functional devices is within a few hours. A key characteristic of this technology is that devices are thin (typically less than 0.5 mm in thickness), which allows for the fabrication of devices with many layers. This feature also permits folding of devices into 3D structures having fully functional valves.” – Written by Lisa Parks Source: Cooksey G, Atencia J. Pneumatic valves in folded 2D and 3D fluidic devices made from plastic films and tapes. Lab Chip 14(10), 1665–1668 (2014).
New technique could be key to in-depth fingerprint analysis
part of
Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University (Sheffield, UK) have developed a MS-based technology that could be used to analyze fingerprints left at crime scenes. Working with West Yorkshire Police (Wakefield, UK), the scientists have trialled the technology by lifting marks found at the scenes of various crimes and then taking them back to their laboratories for analysis. Using the MALDI-MSI technology, the fingermarks, which are made up of materials from the surface of the skin and gland secretions, can be tested for substances of forensic interest, such as traces of drugs or hair and cleaning products. The MS-based
10.4155/BIO.14.134 © 2014 Future Science Ltd
Bioanalysis (2014) 6(12), 1581–1583
technology may also be used to determine the sex of the person who left the fingerprints. The researchers have demonstrated that the technology is compatible with the current methods used by forensic scientists in the UK, and following further funding received in 2011, it has been deemed to have potential to be adopted as a standard investigative policy. According to lead scientist, Simona Francese, working with West Yorkshire Police has taken MALDI-MSI closer to being used as a standard forensic procedure. Francese commented: “It is a valuable opportunity to
ISSN 1757-6180
1581
News & Analysis be able to gather authentic evidence that demonstrates the efficiency of MALDI-MSI to be used in order to provide additional intelligence to the investigators in real casework.”
– Written by Hannah Stanwix Source: Innovative fingerprint analysis is trialled by police: www.shu.ac.uk/mediacentre/innovative-fingerprintanalysis-trialled-police-1?filter=Crime-and-policing
Study rules out zinc as a potential biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease A recent study has added to the evidence against zinc being used as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), finding that decreasing levels of the metal are instead a sign of aging. The research, led by Blaine R Roberts from the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health at the University of Melbourne (Victoria, Australia), used the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing to examine the zinc levels of more than 1000 subjects over the age of 65 years and determine if zinc levels in the blood could provide clinically useful information about a person’s risk of developing AD.
“
We calculate that the blood test we are developing will reduce the cost of patient recruitment for clinical trials by more than half, and help identify specific therapies to treat individuals with the pathology.
”
A small but significant decrease was found in serum zinc with age; however, no difference was found between males or females, and there was no difference between subjects with or without AD. Additional
investigation of a subset of the flagship study using sizeexclusion ICP MS reported no significant difference in the levels of zinc bound to proteins in the plasma of AD samples, compared with healthy controls. The study was published online days before an announcement that Roberts had received a prestigious challenge grant worth US$140,000 to validate a developmental blood test for AD, a project that Roberts hopes will yield greater understanding of how biomarkers and amyloid levels in the brain correlate. Commenting on that news, Roberts said: “We calculate that the blood test we are developing will reduce the cost of patient recruitment for clinical trials by more than half, and help identify specific therapies to treat individuals with the pathology.” – Written by James Potticary Sources: Rembach A, Hare DJ, Doecke JD et al. Decreased serum zinc is an effect of ageing and not Alzheimer’s disease. Metallomics 6(7), 1216–1219 (2014); Royal Society of Chemistry. Zinc ruled out as biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease: www. rsc.org/chemistryworld/2014/03/alzheimers-disease-serumzinc-ageing
DNA microarray offers accurate and low-cost blood group typing In a recent publication in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, a group of researchers presented an automated assay for blood group typing. The method offers advantages over conventional hemagglutination techniques for large-scale automated screening of blood cells for red blood cell antigens. The assay described by the team arises from an understanding of the molecular basis of blood antigens, which has allowed blood group typing by SNP analysis. The group tested their automated system, which uses 96-well DNA microarrays, by screening blood samples of known phenotype against eight SNPs. This allowed identification of 16 alleles across four blood group systems. The method was tested in 960 blood samples and a high concordance
1582
Bioanalysis (2014) 6(12)
rate of 99.92% was observed between predicted and known phenotypes. The team concluded that their system holds promise in offering an accurate and low-cost blood typing method, which can allow more detailed analysis of blood samples than traditional hemagglutination techniques. This has implications both in identifying donors of rare blood type and in preventing alloimmunization from occurring following blood transfusion procedures. – Written by Alice O’Hare Source: Paris S, Rigal D, Barlet V et al. Flexible automated platform for blood group genotyping on DNA microarrays. J. Mol. Diagn. 16(3), 335–342 (2014).
future science group
News & Analysis
Could optical glass fibers be the future in diagnostics? Collaborating research groups including Carleton University (ON, Canada), Université de Mons (Mons, Belgium) and Jinan University (Guangzhou, China) are developing a new lab-on-fiber method that uses optical glass fibers as platforms for chemical sensors to monitor biomarkers. The team coat the fibers with a thin layer of metal and then with aptamers that can detect different target molecules. A micro light source connected to the end of the fiber guides the light to the probe. Light is detected and analyzed using a spectrometer. The detection site is located in a short segment of a fiber’s outer surface.
“
Due to their low cost, small diameter, but large information-carrying capacity, optical glass fibers could be ideal for developing novel diagnostic tools.
”
Typically, in lab-on-chip technologies, analytes from a biological sample, such as a drop of blood, react with chemicals on the chip that then induce voltage changes or vary the current flowing through a conductor. However, among the downsides of current lab-on-chip technologies are the relatively large size for use in vivo, corrosion of metal sensors and toxicity to humans. Developing instruments that combine low cost and
portability with efficiency and reliability has been an ongoing challenge for scientists for many decades. Due to their low cost, small diameter, but large informationcarrying capacity, optical glass fibers could be ideal for developing novel diagnostic tools. Using optics would allow easy use in aqueous solutions and would mean that the probes are not affected by electromagnetic radiation or large ranges in temperatures. This work could potentially lead to further developments in diagnostics. The groups’ long-term goal is to develop a lab-on-fiber that can be used in vivo to monitor biological changes in real time. A potential future application could be in cancer screening technologies as an alternative to biopsies. For example, a fiber probe could be inserted directly in a blood vessel using a hypodermic needle and detect the presence of metastatic cells. Among the future challenges is finding a strategy to harden the probe’s surface coating to allow long-term storage without losing its binding properties to target molecules. – Written by Evgenia Koutsouki Source: IEEE Spectrum. How we’re shrinking chemical labs onto optical fibers: http://spectrum.ieee.org/biomedical/ devices/how-were-shrinking-chemical-labs-onto-opticalfibers
The editorial team welcomes suggestions for timely, relevant items for inclusion in the news. If you have newsworthy information, please contact: Evgenia Koutsouki, Commissioning Editor, Bioanalysis E-mail: [email protected]
future science group
www.future-science.com
1583
