这项研究是由在Artères基金会，安斯泰来基金会欧洲和Boninchi的基金会的支持。 CT是由瑞士国家科学基金会（SCORE补助3232230-126233）支持。

1。手柄:设计与塑造<ol><li>固定数10个碳手术刀片木板上用胶带。 </li><li>在显微镜下标记中心的环。它应位于1.2厘米直从树丛的手术刀刀片。 </li><li>一个球形金刚石钻头钻一个2毫米的孔，​​安装在一个高速钻。 </li><li>纺锤形或圆锥形金刚石钻头孔扩大。最终直径根据大鼠体重不同，如表1中所示。 </li><li>设计的形状的手柄，用一个永久性标记。 图1和图2可以用作模具。 </li><li>转换成为一个微型钻头砂轮机，删除的部分以外的形状的叶片。 </li><li>一块用低速旋转刷。 </li></ol> 2。逼近:设计和塑造<ol><li>逼近是通过修改直的手术KLEMMER或科克的镊子秒。 </li><li>在显微镜下使用高速的小型砂轮机的一个分支切断一半。 </li><li>使两侧对称的槽，以允许手柄完全滑入。 </li><li>纵向切缝长臂和检查同一轴线上，该中心的长臂和良好的定位处理。 </li><li>长臂上面对中心的手柄设计一个凹口。 </li><li>使分支尽可能地薄和圆形折片与低速旋转刷。 </li></ol> 3。袖口:设计与塑造<ol><li>袖口卡钳各不相同根据大鼠体重应变。与此相反，其长度应保持在约4毫米。 </li><li>一个边缘NR 10手术刀细口径聚乙烯管材和全面小康。 </li><li>设计一个小树林0.5毫米，边缘，小心地切出一个斜坡下去的小树林。 </li><li>剪出一个或两个完整的进油管厚度刻痕。这些都将帮助接枝制备和移植的过程中操纵袖口。 </li><li>切袖口在其边缘4毫米。 </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Oldani, G., Lacotte, S., Morel, P., Mentha, G., Toso, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+Liver+Transplantation+in+Rats.">Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in Rats.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (65), e4143 (2012).</li><li>Hori, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comprehensive+and+innovative+techniques+for+liver+transplantation+in+rats:+A+surgical+guide.">Comprehensive and innovative techniques for liver transplantation in rats: A surgical guide.</a> World Journal of Gastroenterology., WJG. 16, 3120 (2010).</li><li>Kashfi, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+review+of+various+techniques+of+orthotopic+liver+transplantation+in+the+rat.">A review of various techniques of orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat.</a> Transplantation Proceedings. 37 (1), 185-188 (2005).</li><li>Kamada, N., Calne, R. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Orthotopic+liver+transplantation+in+the+rat.+Technique+using+cuff+for+portal+vein+anastomosis+and+biliary+drainage.">Orthotopic liver transplantation in the rat. Technique using cuff for portal vein anastomosis and biliary drainage.</a> Transplantation. 28, 47 (1979).</li><li>Oldani, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+technique+for+rat+liver+transplantation+using+Quick+Linker+system:+a+preliminary+result.">A novel technique for rat liver transplantation using Quick Linker system: a preliminary result.</a> Journal of Surgical Research. 149, 303-309 (2008).</li></ol>

什么都没有透露。

本报告介绍了大鼠肝移植更容易快速连接器系统的设计和建设。 大鼠肝移植是一种流行的模式自上世纪90年代初（ <a href="http://www.pubmed.com" target="_blank">www.pubmed.com</a> ）每年出版125到180篇相关论文。它允许广泛的实验，包括免疫和移植物的保存问题的探索。 "快速链接"工具包的使用可以保证内膜，内膜接触更容易和更快的吻合。大鼠肝移植技术步骤的详细说明和讨论已先前描述1。 快速连接器套件，可以建​​立以低廉的价格从普通的实验室材料。已经遇到的主要挑战相关的明细单手柄在最后的刷牙，问题已经解决了通过设置狭窄的面值吨的手柄环为0.5毫米（ 图1和图2为适当的大小）。关于刀片的质量，只有不锈钢应予以考虑。虽然略低于灵活相比，平均碳钢刀片，不锈钢刀片不生锈，可以终身使用的手柄。 值得注意的是，当前把手和袖口的设计结果的一个过程，这导致了建议的大小，允许的最有效的吻合。压脉袋的直径各不相同的大鼠体重（ 表1）。在长度方面，是可以容忍的微小的变化，与通常的长度为约4毫米（ 图3和图4）。 关于逼近，所选科克镊子处理至少为4厘米的支点。这允许一个安全的封闭的机架以外的动物的腹部。 总体而言，所提出的器件可以允许更容易的静脉吻合术移植大鼠的肝脏和其他类型的移植。

大鼠原位肝移植的技术，已被证明在最近的杂志纸1的可视化实验。使用快速连接器辅助袖口技术进行门静脉和肝红外线腔静脉吻合。这种技术被选择其中修改原始镰的技术2-4，因为它允许更容易和更快的吻合，在一个更好的血流动力学的结果，可以实现更短的学习曲线1,5。 的快速连接器的技术需要使用的手柄，一个近似器和袖口，所有这些都可以从普通的实验室材料设计根据本报告中所描述的技术。

<table border="1">
<tbody>
 <tr>
 <td>Tool / Reagent</td>
 <td>Company</td>
 <td>Catalogue n.</td>
 <td>Comment</td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Porta cuff</td>
 <td>altecweb or 
 smiths-medical</td>
 <td>Coil 01-96-1729 
 800/100/420</td>
 <td>Bore : variable 
 Wall : 0.30 mm 
 Length: 3.8-4.2 mm 
 <a href="http://altecweb.com" target="_blank">altecweb.com</a> or 
 <a href="http://smiths-medical.com" target="_blank">smiths-medical.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>IVC cuff</td>
 <td>altecweb or 
 smiths-medical </td>
 <td>Coil 01-96-1733 
 800/100/540</td>
 <td>Bore : variable 
 Wall : 0.30 mm 
 Length: 3.8-4.2 mm 
 <a href="http://altecweb.com" target="_blank">altecweb.com</a> or 
 <a href="http://smiths-medical.com" target="_blank">smiths-medical.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Mini-drill </td>
 <td>Dremel</td>
 <td>100 series</td>
 <td>35,000 rpm 
 <a href="http://dremel.com" target="_blank">dremel.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Diamond wheel point</td>
 <td>Dremel</td>
 <td>7103</td>
 <td>2 mm 
 <a href="http://dremel.com" target="_blank">dremel.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Diamond wheel point</td>
 <td>Dremel</td>
 <td>7105</td>
 <td>4.4 mm 
 <a href="http://dremel.com" target="_blank">dremel.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Diamond wheel point</td>
 <td>Dremel</td>
 <td>7144</td>
 <td>2.4 mm 
 <a href="http://dremel.com" target="_blank">dremel.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Cut-off wheels</td>
 <td>Dremel</td>
 <td>420</td>
 <td>dia: 23.8 mm 
 thickness: 0.5 mm 
 <a href="http://dremel.com" target="_blank">dremel.com</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Quick-linker handles</td>
 <td>dltchiropody (DLT)</td>
 <td>PAR 10</td>
 <td>modified scalpel blades 
 <a href="http://dltchiropody.co.uk" target="_blank">dltchriopdy</a></td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
 <td>Quick-linker approximator</td>
 <td>pharmap</td>
 <td>UD-04-275</td>
 <td>modified Kocher's forceps 
 <a href="http://pharmap.ch" target="_blank">pharmap.ch</a></td>
 </tr>
 </tbody>
</table>

manufacturing devices and instruments for easier rat liver transplantation

原位大鼠肝移植是一种流行的模型，这已被证明与使用的"快速连接器"的移动设备在最近的朱庇特的纸。这种技术允许更容易静脉袖口anatomoses的一个合理的学习曲线后。该装置是由两个把手，雕刻出从手术刀片，一逼近，这是通过以下方式获得修改科克的镊子，从细口径的聚乙烯管设计的袖口。整个过程可以在一个廉价的使用常用的实验室材料进行。本报告提供了一步一步的协议所需的片的设计，包括模具。

已经制造了五个包，其中包括五逼近11手柄。一个手柄爆发在最后涂刷。此问题是由于这样的事实，环形手柄的过于狭窄，它已经解决了通过设置在0.5毫米的手柄的最窄部分的环。没有发生问题在塑造逼近。 <table border="1"><tbody><tr><td> 鼠重量（g） </td><td> 手柄门（内径）（毫米） </td><td> 袖口门（外直径）（毫米） </td><td> IVC手柄（内径）（毫米） </td><td> 下腔静脉的袖口（外直径）（毫米） </td></tr><tr><td> 120-180 </td><td> 2.2 </td><td> 1.7 </td><td> 2.6 </td><td> 2.08 </td></tr><tr><td> 180-270 </td><td> 2.6 </td><td> 2.08 </td><td> 3.4-3.7 </td><td> 3.0-3.25 </td></tr><tr><td> &gt; 270 </td><td> 2.9<html></td><td> 2.42 </td><td> 4.2 </td><td> 3.7 </td></tr></tbody></table> 表1中。 <img src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig1.jpg" alt="图1" fo:content-width="6in" fo:src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig1highres.jpg"/> 图1。如果印有一个1:1的比例可以用来指导手柄整形PORTA手柄模具。 <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">点击这里查看大图</a> 。 <img src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig2.jpg" alt="图2" fo:content-width="6in" fo:src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig2highres.jpg"/> 图2。 IVC手柄模板，如果印有一个1:1的比例可以用来指导手柄整形<a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">点击这里查看大图</a> 。 内容&gt; <img src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig3.jpg" alt="图3" fo:content-width="4.6in" fo:src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig3highres.jpg" /> 图3。应该固定门和下腔静脉袖口的侧视图。接枝v.porta的中央槽，而收信人的容器的横向。这个权宜之计允许最佳内膜，内膜接触。 <img src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig4.jpg" alt="图4" fo:content-width="4.1in" fo:src="/files/ftp_upload/50380/50380fig4highres.jpg"/> 图4。 PORTA和IVC袖口的前视图。卡尺适合大鼠体重180-270克的代表。

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Manufacturing Devices and Instruments for Easier Rat Liver Transplantation at JoVE.com

Manufacturing Devices and Instruments for Easier Rat Liver Transplantation

我们描述了设计的"快速连接器"的设备更容易大鼠原位肝移植。

大鼠肝移植更容易的制造设备和仪器

Orthotopic rat liver transplantation is a popular model, which has been shown in a recent JoVE paper with the use of the "quick-linker" device. This ...

manufacturing-devices-instruments-for-easier-rat-liver

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

8.6K 次观看.  University of Geneva Hospitals. 我们描述了设计的"快速连接器"的设备更容易大鼠原位肝移植。

视频: Manufacturing Devices and Instruments for Easier Rat Liver Transplantation

Mass Cytometry: Protocol for Daily Tuning and Running Cell Samples on a CyTOF Mass Cytometer

In recent years, the rapid analysis of single cells has commonly been performed using flow cytometry and fluorescently-labeled antibodies. However, the issue of spectral overlap of fluorophore emissions has limited the number of simultaneous probes. In contrast, the new CyTOF mass cytometer by DVS Sciences couples a liquid single-cell introduction system to an ICP-MS.1 Rather than fluorophores, chelating polymers containing highly-enriched metal isotopes are coupled to antibodies or other specific probes.2-5 Because of the metal purity and mass resolution of the mass cytometer, there is no "spectral overlap" from neighboring isotopes, and therefore no need for compensation matrices. Additionally, due to the use of lanthanide metals, there is no biological background and therefore no equivalent of autofluorescence. With a mass window spanning atomic mass 103-203, theoretically up to 100 labels could be distinguished simultaneously. Currently, more than 35 channels are available using the chelating reagents available from DVS Sciences, allowing unprecedented dissection of the immunological profile of samples.6-7
Disadvantages to mass cytometry include the strict requirement for a separate metal isotope per probe (no equivalent of forward or side scatter), and the fact that it is a destructive technique (no possibility of sorting recovery). The current configuration of the mass cytometer also has a cell transmission rate of only ~25%, thus requiring a higher input number of cells.
Optimal daily performance of the mass cytometer requires several steps. The basic goal of the optimization is to maximize the measured signal intensity of the desired metal isotopes (M) while minimizing the formation of oxides (M+16) that will decrease the M signal intensity and interfere with any desired signal at M+16. The first step is to warm up the machine so a hot, stable ICP plasma has been established. Second, the settings for current and make-up gas flow rate must be optimized on a daily basis. During sample collection, the maximum cell event rate is limited by detector efficiency and processing speed to 1000 cells/sec. However, depending on the sample quality, a slower cell event rate (300-500 cells/sec) is usually desirable to allow better resolution between cells events and thus maximize intact singlets over doublets and debris. Finally, adequate cleaning of the machine at the end of the day helps minimize background signal due to free metal.

The steps necessary for daily tuning and optimization of the performance of a CyTOF mass cytometer are described. Comments on optimal sample preparation and flow rate are discussed

质量流式细胞术:协议，每日调整和执行细胞的样品上一个CyTOF的质量流式细胞仪

In recent years, the rapid analysis of single cells has commonly been performed using flow cytometry and fluorescently-labeled antibodies. However, the ...

科研

生物工程

Paper-based Devices for Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membranous particles released from various types of cells, hold a great potential for clinical applications. They contain nucleic acid and protein cargo and are increasingly recognized as a means of intercellular communication utilized by both eukaryote and prokaryote cells. However, due to their small size, current protocols for isolation of EVs are often time consuming, cumbersome, and require large sample volumes and expensive equipment, such as an ultracentrifuge. To address these limitations, we developed a paper-based immunoaffinity platform for separating subgroups of EVs that is easy, efficient, and requires sample volumes as low as 10 &#956;l. Biological samples can be pipetted directly onto paper test zones that have been chemically modified with capture molecules that have high affinity to specific EV surface markers. We validate the assay by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (P-ELISA), and transcriptome analysis. These paper-based devices will enable the study of EVs in the clinic and the research setting to help advance our understanding of EV functions in health and disease.

This protocol details a method to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs), small membranous particles released from cells, from as little as 10 &#956;l serum samples. This approach circumvents the need for ultracentrifugation, requires only a few minutes of assay time, and enables the isolation of EVs from samples of limited volumes.

基于纸张的设备进行隔离外囊泡与表征

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membranous particles released from various types of cells, hold a great potential for clinical applications. They contain ...

Procedure for Decellularization of Rat Livers in an Oscillating-pressure Perfusion Device

Decellularization and recellularization of parenchymal organs may enable the generation of functional organs in vitro, and several protocols for rodent liver decellularization have already been published. We aimed to improve the decellularization process by construction of a proprietary perfusion device enabling selective perfusion via the portal vein and/or the hepatic artery. Furthermore, we sought to perform perfusion under oscillating surrounding pressure conditions to improve the homogeneity of decellularization. The homogeneity of perfusion decellularization has been an underestimated factor to date. During decellularization, areas within the organ that are poorly perfused may still contain cells, whereas the extracellular matrix (ECM) in well-perfused areas may already be affected by alkaline detergents. Oscillating pressure changes can mimic the intraabdominal pressure changes that occur during respiration to optimize microperfusion inside the liver. In the study presented here, decellularized rat liver matrices were analyzed by histological staining, DNA content analysis and corrosion casting. Perfusion via the hepatic artery showed more homogenous results than portal venous perfusion did. The application of oscillating pressure conditions improved the effectiveness of perfusion decellularization. Livers perfused via the hepatic artery and under oscillating pressure conditions showed the best results. The presented techniques for liver harvesting, cannulation and perfusion using our proprietary device enable sophisticated perfusion set-ups to improve decellularization and recellularization experiments in rat livers.

The presented techniques for liver harvesting, cannulation and perfusion using our proprietary device enable sophisticated perfusion set-ups to improve decellularization and recellularization experiments in rat livers.

在振荡压力灌流器程序大鼠肝脏的脱细胞

Decellularization and recellularization of parenchymal organs may enable the generation of functional organs in vitro, and several protocols for rodent ...

Fabricating Cotton Analytical Devices

A robust, low-cost analytical device should be user-friendly, rapid, and affordable. Such devices should also be able to operate with scarce samples and provide information for follow-up treatment. Here, we demonstrate the development of a cotton-based urinalysis (i.e., nitrite, total protein, and urobilinogen assays) analytical device that employs a lateral flow-based format, and is inexpensive, easily fabricated, rapid, and can be used to conduct multiple tests without cross-contamination worries. Cotton is composed of cellulose fibers with natural absorptive properties that can be leveraged for flow-based analysis. The simple but elegant fabrication process of our cotton-based analytical device is described in this study. The arrangement of the cotton structure and test pad takes advantage of the hydrophobicity and absorptive strength of each material. Because of these physical characteristics, colorimetric results can persistently adhere to the test pad. This device enables physicians to receive clinical information in a timely manner and shows great potential as a tool for early intervention.

To investigate simple fabrication approaches for multiple assay needs, we created a fluid-absorbing channel system made of cotton material. This device was used to establish a multiple detection platform, and solve contamination issues that commonly affect lateral flow-based biomedical devices, for clinical urinalysis of nitrite, total protein, and urobilinogen.

制造棉分析仪器

A robust, low-cost analytical device should be user-friendly, rapid, and affordable. Such devices should also be able to operate with scarce samples and ...

A Simple and Scalable Fabrication Method for Organic Electronic Devices on Textiles

Today, wearable electronics devices combine a large variety of functional, stretchable, and flexible technologies. However, in many cases, these devices cannot be worn under everyday conditions. Therefore, textiles are commonly considered the best substrate to accommodate electronic devices in wearable use. In this paper, we describe how to selectively pattern organic electroactive materials on textiles from a solution in an easy and scalable manner. This versatile deposition technique enables the fabrication of wearable organic electronic devices on clothes.

In this paper, we present a protocol to selectively deposit organic materials on textiles, which allows for the direct integration of organic electronic devices with wearables. The fabricated devices can be fully integrated in textiles, respecting their mechanical appearance and enabling sensing capabilities.

关于纺织品有机电子设备的简单和可扩展的制作方法

Today, wearable electronics devices combine a large variety of functional, stretchable, and flexible technologies. However, in many cases, these devices ...

Optimized Setup and Protocol for Magnetic Domain Imaging with In Situ Hysteresis Measurement

This paper elaborates the sample preparation protocols required to obtain optimal domain patterns using the Bitter method, focusing on the extra steps compared to standard metallographic sample preparation procedures. The paper proposes a novel bespoke rig for dynamic domain imaging with in situ BH (magnetic hysteresis) measurements and elaborates the protocols for the sensor preparation and the use of the rig to ensure accurate BH measurement. The protocols for static and ordinary dynamic domain imaging (without in situ BH measurements) are also presented. The reported method takes advantage of the convenience and high sensitivity of the traditional Bitter method and enables in situ BH measurement without interrupting or interfering with the domain wall movement processes. This facilitates establishing a direct and quantitative link between the domain wall movement processes&#8211;microstructural feature interactions in ferritic steels with their BH loops. This method is anticipated to become a useful tool for the fundamental study of microstructure&#8211;magnetic property relationships in steels and to help interpret the electromagnetic sensor signals for non-destructive evaluation of steel microstructures.

Optimized Setup and Protocol for Magnetic Domain Imaging with In Situ Hysteresis Measurement

This paper elaborates the sample and sensor preparation procedures and the protocols for using the test rig particularly for dynamic domain imaging with in situ BH measurements in order to achieve optimal domain pattern quality and accurate BH measurements.

用原位滞后测量进行磁畴成像的优化设置和协议

This paper elaborates the sample preparation protocols required to obtain optimal domain patterns using the Bitter method, focusing on the extra steps ...

A Novel Surgical Technique As a Foundation for In Vivo Partial Liver Engineering in Rat

Organ engineering is a novel strategy to generate liver organ substitutes that can potentially be used in transplantation. Recently, in vivo liver engineering, including in vivo organ decellularization followed by repopulation, has emerged as a promising approach over ex vivo liver engineering. However, postoperative survival was not achieved. The aim of this study is to develop a novel surgical technique of in vivo selective liver lobe perfusion in rats as a prerequisite for in vivo liver engineering. We generate a circuit bypass only through the left lateral lobe. Then, the left lateral lobe is perfused with heparinized saline. The experiment is performed with 4 groups (n = 3 rats per group) based on different perfusion times of 20 min, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h. Survival, as well as the macroscopically visible change of color and the histologically determined absence of blood cells in the portal triad and the sinusoids, is taken as an indicator for a successful model establishment. After selective perfusion of the left lateral lobe, we observe that the left lateral lobe, indeed, turned from red to faint yellow. In a histological assessment, no blood cells are visible in the branch of the portal vein, the central vein, and the sinusoids. The left lateral lobe turns red after reopening the blocked vessels. 12/12 rats survived the procedure for more than one week. We are the first to report a surgical model for in vivo single liver lobe perfusion with a long survival period of more than one week. In contrast to the previously published report, the most important advantage of the technique presented here is that perfusion of 70% of the liver is maintained throughout the whole procedure. The establishment of this technique provides a foundation for in vivo partial liver engineering in rats, including decellularization and recellularization.

A Novel Surgical Technique As a Foundation for In Vivo Partial Liver Engineering in Rat

We establish a novel surgical technique for an in vivo single liver lobe perfusion model in rat as a prerequisite for further studying in vivo partial liver engineering in the future.

大鼠体内部分肝工程的外科技术基础

Organ engineering is a novel strategy to generate liver organ substitutes that can potentially be used in transplantation. Recently, in vivo liver ...

A Guide to Build a Highly Inclined Swept Tile Microscope for Extended Field-of-view Single-molecule Imaging

Single-molecule imaging has greatly advanced our understanding of molecular mechanisms in biological studies. However, it has been challenging to obtain large field-of-view, high-contrast images in thick cells and tissues. Here, we introduce highly inclined swept tile (HIST) microscopy that overcomes this problem. A pair of cylindrical lenses was implemented to generate an elongated excitation beam that was scanned over a large imaging area via a fast galvo mirror. A 4f configuration was used to position optical components. A scientific complementary metal-oxide semiconductor camera detected the fluorescence signal and blocked the out-of-focus background with a dynamic confocal slit synchronized with the beam sweeping. We present a step-by-step instruction on building the HIST microscope with all basic components.

A detailed instruction is described on how to build a highly inclined swept tile (HIST) microscope and its usage for single-molecule imaging.

构建用于扩展视场单分子成像的高倾角扫描磁贴显微镜的指南

Single-molecule imaging has greatly advanced our understanding of molecular mechanisms in biological studies. However, it has been challenging to obtain ...

Rapid Fabrication of Custom Microfluidic Devices for Research and Educational Applications

Microfluidic devices allow for the manipulation of fluids, particles, cells, micro-sized organs or organisms in channels ranging from the nano to submillimeter scales. A rapid increase in the use of this technology in the biological sciences has prompted a need for methods that are accessible to a wide range of research groups. Current fabrication standards, such as PDMS bonding, require expensive and time consuming lithographic and bonding techniques. A viable alternative is the use of equipment and materials that are easily affordable, require minimal expertise and allow for the rapid iteration of designs. In this work we describe a protocol for designing and producing PET-laminates (PETLs), microfluidic devices that are inexpensive, easy to fabricate, and consume significantly less time to generate than other approaches to microfluidics technology. They consist of thermally bonded film sheets, in which channels and other features are defined using a craft cutter. PETLs solve field-specific technical challenges while dramatically reducing obstacles to adoption. This approach facilitates the accessibility of microfluidics devices in both research and educational settings, providing a reliable platform for new methods of inquiry.

Here we present a protocol to design and fabricate custom microfluidic devices with minimal financial and time investment. The aim is to facilitate the adoption of microfluidic technologies in biomedical research laboratories and educational settings.

用于研究和教育应用的定制微流体器件的快速制造

Microfluidic devices allow for the manipulation of fluids, particles, cells, micro-sized organs or organisms in channels ranging from the nano to ...

Electric and Magnetic Field Devices for Stimulation of Biological Tissues

Electric fields (EFs) and magnetic fields (MFs) have been widely used by tissue engineering to improve cell dynamics such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, morphology, and molecular synthesis. However, variables such stimuli strength and stimulation times need to be considered when stimulating either cells, tissues or scaffolds. Given that EFs and MFs vary according to cellular response, it remains unclear how to build devices that generate adequate biophysical stimuli to stimulate biological samples. In fact, there is a lack of evidence regarding the calculation and distribution when biophysical stimuli are applied. This protocol is focused on the design and manufacture of devices to generate EFs and MFs and implementation of a computational methodology to predict biophysical stimuli distribution inside and outside of biological samples. The EF device was composed of two parallel stainless-steel electrodes located at the top and bottom of biological cultures. Electrodes were connected to an oscillator to generate voltages (50, 100, 150 and 200 Vp-p) at 60 kHz. The MF device was composed of a coil, which was energized with a transformer to generate a current (1 A) and voltage (6 V) at 60 Hz. A polymethyl methacrylate support was built to locate the biological cultures in the middle of the coil. The computational simulation elucidated the homogeneous distribution of EFs and MFs inside and outside of biological tissues. This computational model is a promising tool that can modify parameters such as voltages, frequencies, tissue morphologies, well plate types, electrodes and coil size to estimate the EFs and MFs to achieve a cellular response.

This protocol describes the step-by-step process to build both electrical and magnetic stimulators used to stimulate biological tissues. The protocol includes a guideline to simulate computationally electric and magnetic fields and manufacture of stimulator devices.

用于刺激生物组织的电动和磁场设备

Electric fields (EFs) and magnetic fields (MFs) have been widely used by tissue engineering to improve cell dynamics such as proliferation, migration, ...