This study was supported by a Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) Grant NRF2012NRF-POC001-043.

1. Fotomasken Fabrication <ol><li> Reinigen einer 4 &quot;Glaswafer mit Piranha-Lösung (H 2 SO 4 / H 2 O 2 in Verhältnis 2: 1) für 20 min bei 120 ° C durch Eintauchen in einen Quarzbehälter. </li><li> Hinterlegung einer Schicht aus Chrom / Gold (30 nm Cr / 1 &amp; mgr; m Au) -Schicht auf der Glasscheibe unter Verwendung eines E-Strahl-Verdampfer 7 (1A). <ol><li> Platzieren der Scheiben in einer e-Strahl-Verdampfer. Sobald das Vakuum erreicht 5 x 10 -6 Torr, schalten Sie die Hochspannungsquelle (10 kV). Steuern Sie die Dicke von dem Monitor Bedienfeld. </li><li> Vorreinigen jedes Material für 30 Sekunden mit der E-Strahlkanone, wobei die Verschluss &quot;OFF&quot; (in der Reihenfolge, um die Ablagerung auf den Wafern zu vermeiden). </li></ol></li><li> Generieren Sie eine Cr / Au Photoresist Maskierungsschicht für tiefen Nassätzen des Glases. <ol><li> Anwenden einer 2 um dicken Photoresist durch Schleudern 5 ml der Lösung für 30 sec bei 3.000 UpM unter Verwendung eines Spin-Sprühbeschichtungsvorrichtung Systems.Vorbacken des Photoresists auf einer Heizplatte bei 100 ° C für 1,5 min. </li><li> Expose und harte Backen des Photoresist bei 120 ° C für 30 min auf einer Heizplatte. Es ist kritisch, um eine hydrophobe Oberfläche und eine starke Haftung des Photoresists auf die Metallschicht zu erzeugen. Muster der Cr / Au-Schicht unter Verwendung von Cr und Au Ätzmittel durch die Fotolackmaske 8,9. </li></ol></li><li> Zum Schutz der un-gemusterten Glasoberfläche vorübergehend verbinden die Glasscheibe auf eine Dummy-Silizium-Wafer. 9 <ol><li> Platzieren der Glaswafer auf einer heißen Platte bei 110 ° C schmilzt das Wachs auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Glasscheibe (in der Weise, dass die gesamte Oberfläche des Wafers mit Wachs). </li><li> Legen Sie eine Dummy-Silizium-Wafer in Kontakt mit der Glasscheibe und drücken Sie, um das überschüssige Wachs zu entfernen. Um Auslaufen des Wachses zu vermeiden, legen Sie ein sauberes Zimmer Tissue-Papier auf der Heizplatte. </li></ol></li><li> Zuführen isotropes Ätzen der Linse mit optimierten Flusssäure (49% v / v)und Salzsäure (37% v / v) Lösung (in einem Volumenverhältnis von 10: 1). mit einem magnetischen Rührer für 8,5 min 10 Anwesenheit des HCl ist kritisch bei der Erzielung einer guten Oberflächenqualität der erzeugten Linsen. <ol><li> Stellen Sie sicher, dass die Ätzrate 7 &amp; mgr; m / min; mit einem Gesamtvolumen von 200 ml Ätzlösung. Führen Ätzen in einem Kunststoffbehälter und nehmen Sie Sicherheitsmaßnahme für diesen Verarbeitungsschritt. </li><li> Reinigen des Wafers in dem deionisiertem Wasser (DI) gespült und eine weitere Trocknung bei RT. </li></ol></li><li> Nachdem der Prozess abgeschlossen, trennen Sie die Glasscheibe von der Dummy-Silizium-Wafer und erwärmen Sie das Wachs unter Verwendung einer Heizplatte bei 100 ° C für 15 Sekunden. Wie das Wachs bei dieser Temperatur schmilzt, nehmen Sie den Glaswafer von dem Dummy-Silizium-Wafer. </li><li> Entfernen restlichen Wachs, das Photoresist und die überhängenden Cr / Au-Schichten an den Rändern der Linsen mit Ultraschall für 1 Stunde unter Verwendung von N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidon als Lösungsmittel bei 80 ° C in einem Ultraschalltank.</li><li> Erstellen Sie eine PDMS-Form Replik der Mikrolinsen auf den Photomasken 11 hergestellt. </li><li> Charakterisierung der Photomaske Abmessungen (Länge und Breite) und der Mikrolinsen PDMS-Form (Tiefe und Durchmesser) Nachbildungen mit einem Rasterelektronenmikroskop und Stereo jeweils 12-14. </li></ol> 2. MN Wellen Fabrication <ol><li> Erzeugen einen Hohlraum von 2,5 cm × 0,9 cm mit den Glasobjektträger auf beiden Seiten eines Glas montiert. Die Anzahl von Objektträgern auf jeder Seite gestapelt wird die Höhe des Hohlraums, wie Abstandshalterdicke (1B) bekannt bestimmen. </li><li> Sicherung jede Schicht des Glasobjektträgers durch Aufbringen einer dünnen Schicht der Präpolymerlösung, die Poly (ethylenglycol) diacrylat (PEGDA, Mw = 258 Da) mit 0,5% w / w 2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-propiophenon (HMP) auf die Glasobjektträger, gefolgt von Bestrahlung des mit dem hochintensiven UV-Set (UV) Licht für 2 sec. </li><li> Positionieren Sie den Photomask (zuvor hergestellt) mit dem Cr / Au beschichteten Oberflächen des Inneren des Hohlraums gegenüber. Sicherzustellen, dass die Seiten der Hohlwände sind nicht verdecken die Linsen in der Fotomaske eingebettet. </li><li> Füllen des Hohlraums mit der Präpolymerlösung bis die Cr / Au-beschichtete Oberfläche in Kontakt mit der Lösung ohne sichtbare Blasen. </li><li> Bestrahlen die Einrichtung mit hoher Intensität, UV-Licht einer gewünschten Intensität für 1 sec in einem Abstand von 3,5 cm von der UV-Quelle mit der Vernetzungsstation mit einem UV-Filter-Bereich von 320-500 nm. Verwenden Sie einen Kollimator-Adapter mit dem UV-Licht-Sonde. </li><li> Messen Sie die Intensität der UV-Licht unter Verwendung eines Radiometer verwendet. </li><li> Nach der UV-Bestrahlung, entfernen Sie die Fotomaske mit dem Array von MNs. Gießen Sie das überschüssige Präpolymerlösung, die nicht in den Prozess wieder in der Originalverpackung zur Wiederverwendung polymerisiert wird. </li><li> Quantifizierung der Länge und Durchmesser der Spitze von MnS mit einem Stereomikroskop nach den Anweisungen des Herstellers. </li></ol><pclass = &quot;jove_title&quot;&gt; 3. MN Rückschicht Fabrication <ol><li> Mit einer Pinzette, legen die MNs (vorher hergestellt) auf die Photomaske in eine Vertiefung einer Platte mit 24 Vertiefungen angebracht, wie in der 1C gezeigt. </li><li> Hinzufügen eines festgelegten Volumens (300 bis 400 &amp; mgr; l) der Prepolymer-Lösung in das Bohrloch, bis die Nadeln bis zu einer gewünschten Höhe eingetaucht ist. Dieses Volumen bestimmt die Dicke der resultierenden Trägerschicht. </li><li> Bestrahlen die Einrichtung mit hoher Intensität, UV-Licht (15,1 W / cm 2), 10,5 cm von der UV-Quelle für eine Zeitdauer von 1 sec. </li><li> Trennen Sie die Rückschicht auf der MN-Array von der Photomaske mit einer scharfen Klinge. </li><li> Quantifizierung der Durchmesser der MNs Länge, Durchmesser und die Basis mit der Rückschicht mit einem Stereomikroskop nach den Anweisungen des Herstellers. </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>Zhou, C. P., Liu, Y. L., Wang, H. L., Zhang, P. X., Zhang, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transdermal+delivery+of+insulin+using+microneedle+rollers+in+vivo.">Transdermal delivery of insulin using microneedle rollers in vivo.</a> International journal of pharmaceutics. 392, 127-133 (2010).</li><li>Lee, J. W., Choi, S. O., Felner, E. I., Prausnitz, M. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Dissolving+microneedle+patch+for+transdermal+delivery+of+human+growth+hormone.">Dissolving microneedle patch for transdermal delivery of human growth hormone.</a> Small. 7, 531-539 (2011).</li><li>Raphael, A. P., 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=needle-free+vaccinations+in+skin+using+multi+layered,+densely-packed+dissolving+microprojection+arrays.">needle-free vaccinations in skin using multi layered, densely-packed dissolving microprojection arrays.</a> Small. 6, 1785-1793 (2010).</li><li>Lee, J. W., Han, M. R., Park, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Polymer+microneedles+for+transdermal+drug+delivery.">Polymer microneedles for transdermal drug delivery.</a> Journal of drug targeting. 21, 211-223 (2012).</li><li>Kochhar, J. S., Goh, W. J., Chan, S. Y., Kang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+simple+method+of+microneedle+array+fabrication+for+transdermal+drug+delivery.">A simple method of microneedle array fabrication for transdermal drug delivery.</a> Drug development and industrial pharmacy. 39, 299-309 (2013).</li><li>Kochhar, J. S., Zou, S., Chan, S. Y., Kang, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Protein+encapsulation+in+polymeric+microneedles+by+photolithography.">Protein encapsulation in polymeric microneedles by photolithography.</a> International journal of nanomedicine. 7, 3143-3154 (2012).</li><li>Tay, F. E. H., Iliescu, C., Jing, J., Miao, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Defect-free+wet+etching+through+pyrex+glass+using+Cr/Au+mask.">Defect-free wet etching through pyrex glass using Cr/Au mask.</a> Microsystem Technologies. 12, 935-939 (2006).</li><li>Iliescu, C., Chen, B., Miao, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=On+the+wet+etching+of+Pyrex+glass.">On the wet etching of Pyrex glass.</a> Sensors and Actuators, A: Physical. 143, 154-161 (2008).</li><li>Iliescu, C., Taylor, H., Avram, M., Miao, J., Franssila, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+practical+guide+for+the+fabrication+of+microfluidic+devices+using+glass+and+silicon.">A practical guide for the fabrication of microfluidic devices using glass and silicon.</a> Biomicrofluidics. 6, 16505-16516 (2012).</li><li>Iliescu, C., Jing, J., Tay, F. E. H., Miao, J., Sun, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+masking+layers+for+deep+wet+etching+of+glass+in+an+improved+HF/HCl+solution.">Characterization of masking layers for deep wet etching of glass in an improved HF/HCl solution.</a> Surface and Coatings Technology. 198, 314-318 (2005).</li><li>Pan, J., 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=Fabrication+of+a+3D+hair+follicle-like+hydrogel+by+soft+lithography.">Fabrication of a 3D hair follicle-like hydrogel by soft lithography.</a> Journal of biomedical materials research. Part A. 101, 3159-3169 (2013).</li><li>Jay, T. R., Stern, M. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Preshaping+photoresist+for+refractive+microlens+fabrication.">Preshaping photoresist for refractive microlens fabrication.</a> P Soc Photo-Opt Ins. 1992, 275-282 (1993).</li><li>Friedman, G. B., Sandhu, H. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Longitudinal+Spherical+Aberration+of+a+Thin+Lens.">Longitudinal Spherical Aberration of a Thin Lens.</a> Am J Phys. 35, 628 (1967).</li><li>Xu, Q. A., Li, J., Zhang, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Collimated+the+laser+diode+beam+by+the+focus+lens.">Collimated the laser diode beam by the focus lens.</a> Semiconductor Lasers and Applications IV. 7844, (2010).</li><li>Lin, T. W., Chen, C. F., Yang, J. J., Liao, Y. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+dual-directional+light-control+film+with+a+high-sag+and+high-asymmetrical-shape+microlens+array+fabricated+by+a+UV+imprinting+process.">A dual-directional light-control film with a high-sag and high-asymmetrical-shape microlens array fabricated by a UV imprinting process.</a> J Micromech Microeng. 18, (2008).</li><li>Dunne, S. M., Millar, B. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+distance+from+curing+light+tip+to+restoration+surface+on+depth+of+cure+of+composite+resin.">Effect of distance from curing light tip to restoration surface on depth of cure of composite resin.</a> Prim Dent Care. 15, 147-152 (2008).</li><li>Kochhar, J. 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The authors declare no conflict of Interest.

Die oben für die Herstellung des MNs Array beschriebenen Protokoll wurde vorgestellt, um die MNs Array von ~ 1 cm 2 herzustellen. Die Arrays können durch die Schaffung eines großen Hohlraums und durch die Verwendung eines größeren Photomaske skaliert werden. Die erhöhte Hohlraumgröße kann durch Erhöhung der Breite zwischen den Abstandshaltern auf beiden Seiten erzeugt werden. Wenn jeder Schritt die MN-Arrays im Protokoll herstellen wichtig war, waren die wichtigsten Schritte: die Fotomaske Positionie...

Transdermalen Verabreichung von Arzneimitteln bietet eine attraktive Alternative Ansatz für die Arzneimittelverabreichung, insbesondere für Biomoleküle, die fast ausschließlich von subkutanen Injektionen verabreicht werden. Jedoch Haut, insbesondere die Deckschicht (das Stratum corneum) ist eine hervorragende Barriere verhindert exogenen Molekülen von in den menschlichen Körper. Vor kurzem haben MN Geräte ermöglichen Tools, um Arzneimittel durch die Haut zu liefern entstanden. Die MN-Geräte zu erstellen temporäre Poren im Inneren der Hornschicht, damit der Durchgang von Wirkstoffmolekülen, um die gewünschte physiologische Aktivität mit verbesserte Patienten-Compliance und Convenience 1-3 zu erreichen. Es wurden verschiedene Herstellungsverfahren erlassen, um polymere MNs 4 herzustellen. Aber sie beinhalten in der Regel kompliziert und Mehrschrittverfahren für die langZeiten und / oder hohe Temperaturen, um MNs Arrays herzustellen. 4 Zur Vereinfachung des Herstellungsprozesses, einen einzigen Schritt schimmelfrei Prozess miteine Fotomaske wurde kürzlich 5,6 entwickelt. Doch mit diesem Verfahren hergestellt MNs hatten stumpfe Nadelspitzen, da kein Mechanismus vorhanden, um die ultravioletten (UV) Lichtpfad in der Photolithographie beteiligt zu ändern. In dieser Studie eingebetteten Mikrolinsen in der Fotomaske vorgeschlagen worden, um die Geometrie der MNs definieren. Das Protokoll zum Photomasken, bestehend aus eingebetteten Mikrolinsen und anschließend MN Fertigung mit scharfen Spitzen Verwendung der Fotomaske wird berichtet, zu fertigen.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA Mn=258)</td>
			<td>SIGMA&#160;</td>
			<td>475629-500ML</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propiophenone (HMP)</td>
			<td>SIGMA&#160;</td>
			<td>405655-50ML</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bovine collagen type 1, FITC conjugate&#160;</td>
			<td>SIGMA&#160;</td>
			<td>C4361</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UV curing station&#160;&#160;&#160;</td>
			<td>EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc., Canada</td>
			<td>OmniCure S200-XL</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Collimating Adaptor&#160;</td>
			<td>EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc., Canada</td>
			<td>EXFO 810-00042</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24-well plate</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nikon SMZ 1500 stereomicroscope&#160;</td>
			<td>Nikon, Japan</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dillon GL-500 digital force gauge&#160;</td>
			<td>Dillon, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>A-1R confocal microscope&#160;</td>
			<td>Nikon, Japan</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
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			<td></td>
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</table>

polymeric microneedle array fabrication by photolithography

Diese Handschrift beschreibt die Herstellung von polymeren Mikronadel (MN) Arrays durch Photolithographie. Es geht um eine einfache schimmelfrei Prozesses durch Verwendung einer Photomaske, bestehend aus eingebetteten Mikrolinsen. Eingebettete Mikrolinsen wurden gefunden, um MN-Geometrie (Schärfe) zu beeinflussen. Robusten MN Arrays mit Spitzendurchmessern im Bereich zwischen 41,5 &amp; mgr; m ± 8,4 &amp; mgr; m und 71,6 ± 13,7 &amp; mgr; m &amp; mgr; m, mit zwei verschiedenen Längen (1,336 &amp; mgr; m ± 193 &amp; mgr; m und 957 &amp; mgr; m ± 171 &amp; mgr; m) wurden hergestellt. Diese MN Arrays können potenzielle Anwendungen in der Lieferung von niedermolekularen und makromolekularen therapeutischen Wirkstoffen durch die Haut zu schaffen.

Die Geometrie der MNs können durch die Photomaske Eigenschaften und eingebettete Mikrolinsen erheblich beeinflusst werden. Der Brechungsgrad beeinflusst den Übertragungsweg der UV-Strahlen, die den MN-Geometrie (2A) beeinflusst. Jede Mikrolinse hatte einen Durchmesser von 350 um, 130 um eine abgeflachte konvexe Oberfläche und eine 62,3 &amp; mgr; m Tiefe (2B-D). Verwendung des Satz des Pythagoras, wurde der Krümmungsradius der ersten Fläche festgestellt, 272.89 um sein. Die Brennwe...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography at JoVE.com

Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography

Here, we present a protocol describing a mold-free fabrication process of the polymeric microneedles by photolithography.

Polymeren Mikronadelanordnung Fabrication durch Photolithographie

This manuscript describes the fabrication of polymeric microneedle (MN) arrays by photolithography. It involves a simple mold-free process by using a ...

polymeric-microneedle-array-fabrication-by-photolithography

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

11.9K Aufrufe.  National University of Singapore. Here, we present a protocol describing a mold-free fabrication process of the polymeric microneedles by photolithography. 

Serie: Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography

Fabrication of Micropatterned Hydrogels for Neural Culture Systems using Dynamic Mask Projection Photolithography

Increasingly, patterned cell culture environments are becoming a relevant technique to study cellular characteristics, and many researchers believe in the need for 3D environments to represent in vitro experiments which better mimic in vivo qualities 1-3. Studies in fields such as cancer research 4, neural engineering 5, cardiac physiology 6, and cell-matrix interaction7,8have shown cell behavior differs substantially between traditional monolayer cultures and 3D constructs.
Hydrogels are used as 3D environments because of their variety, versatility and ability to tailor molecular composition through functionalization 9-12. Numerous techniques exist for creation of constructs as cell-supportive matrices, including electrospinning13, elastomer stamps14, inkjet printing15, additive photopatterning16, static photomask projection-lithography17, and dynamic mask microstereolithography18. Unfortunately, these methods involve multiple production steps and/or equipment not readily adaptable to conventional cell and tissue culture methods. The technique employed in this protocol adapts the latter two methods, using a digital micromirror device (DMD) to create dynamic photomasks for crosslinking geometrically specific poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels, induced through UV initiated free radical polymerization. The resulting "2.5D" structures provide a constrained 3D environment for neural growth. We employ a dual-hydrogel approach, where PEG serves as a cell-restrictive region supplying structure to an otherwise shapeless but cell-permissive self-assembling gel made from either Puramatrix or agarose. The process is a quick simple one step fabrication which is highly reproducible and easily adapted for use with conventional cell culture methods and substrates.
Whole tissue explants, such as embryonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG), can be incorporated into the dual hydrogel constructs for experimental assays such as neurite outgrowth. Additionally, dissociated cells can be encapsulated in the photocrosslinkable or self polymerizing hydrogel, or selectively adhered to the permeable support membrane using cell-restrictive photopatterning. Using the DMD, we created hydrogel constructs up to ~1mm thick, but thin film (&lt;200 &mu;m) PEG structures were limited by oxygen quenching of the free radical polymerization reaction. We subsequently developed a technique utilizing a layer of oil above the polymerization liquid which allowed thin PEG structure polymerization.
In this protocol, we describe the expeditious creation of 3D hydrogel systems for production of microfabricated neural cell and tissue cultures. The dual hydrogel constructs demonstrated herein represent versatile in vitro models that may prove useful for studies in neuroscience involving cell survival, migration, and/or neurite growth and guidance. Moreover, as the protocol can work for many types of hydrogels and cells, the potential applications are both varied and vast.

Simple techniques are described for the rapid production of microfabricated neural culture systems using a digital micromirror device for dynamic mask projection lithography on regular cell culture substrates. These culture systems may be more representative of natural biological architecture, and the techniques described could be adapted for numerous applications.

Herstellung von mikrostrukturierten Hydrogele für Neural Kultur-Systeme mit Dynamic Mask Projektion Photolithographie

Increasingly, patterned cell culture environments are becoming a relevant technique to study cellular characteristics, and many researchers believe in the ...

Forschung

Biotechnik

Formulation of Diblock Polymeric Nanoparticles through Nanoprecipitation Technique

Nanotechnology is a relatively new branch of science that involves harnessing the unique properties of particles that are nanometers in scale (nanoparticles). Nanoparticles can be engineered in a precise fashion where their size, composition and surface chemistry can be carefully controlled. This enables unprecedented freedom to modify some of the fundamental properties of their cargo, such as solubility, diffusivity, biodistribution, release characteristics and immunogenicity. Since their inception, nanoparticles have been utilized in many areas of science and medicine, including drug delivery, imaging, and cell biology1-4. However, it has not been fully utilized outside of "nanotechnology laboratories" due to perceived technical barrier. In this article, we describe a simple method to synthesize a polymer based nanoparticle platform that has a wide range of potential applications. 
The first step is to synthesize a diblock co-polymer that has both a hydrophobic domain and hydrophilic domain. Using PLGA and PEG as model polymers, we described a conjugation reaction using EDC/NHS chemistry5 (Fig 1). We also discuss the polymer purification process. The synthesized diblock co-polymer can self-assemble into nanoparticles in the nanoprecipitation process through hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions.
The described polymer nanoparticle is very versatile. The hydrophobic core of the nanoparticle can be utilized to carry poorly soluble drugs for drug delivery experiments6. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can overcome the problem of toxic solvents for poorly soluble molecular biology reagents, such as wortmannin, which requires a solvent like DMSO. However, DMSO can be toxic to cells and interfere with the experiment. These poorly soluble drugs and reagents can be effectively delivered using polymer nanoparticles with minimal toxicity. Polymer nanoparticles can also be loaded with fluorescent dye and utilized for intracellular trafficking studies. Lastly, these polymer nanoparticles can be conjugated to targeting ligands through surface PEG. Such targeted nanoparticles can be utilized to label specific epitopes on or in cells7-10.

This article describes a nanoprecipitation method to synthesize polymer-based nanoparticles using diblock co-polymers. We will discuss the synthesis of diblock co-polymers, the nanoprecipitation technique, and potential applications.

Formulierung von Diblock Polymernanopartikel durch Nanopräzipitation Technik

Nanotechnology is a relatively new branch of science that involves harnessing the unique properties of particles that are nanometers in scale ...

Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing

The development of a minimally invasive multiplexed monitoring system for rapid analysis of biologically-relevant molecules could offer individuals suffering from chronic medical conditions facile assessment of their immediate physiological state. Furthermore, it could serve as a research tool for analysis of complex, multifactorial medical conditions. In order for such a multianalyte sensor to be realized, it must be minimally invasive, sampling of interstitial fluid must occur without pain or harm to the user, and analysis must be rapid as well as selective.
Initially developed for pain-free drug delivery, microneedles have been used to deliver vaccines and pharmacologic agents (e.g., insulin) through the skin.1-2 Since these devices access the interstitial space, microneedles that are integrated with microelectrodes can be used as transdermal electrochemical sensors. Selective detection of glucose, glutamate, lactate, hydrogen peroxide, and ascorbic acid has been demonstrated using integrated microneedle-electrode devices with carbon fibers, modified carbon pastes, and platinum-coated polymer microneedles serving as transducing elements.3-7,8
This microneedle sensor technology has enabled a novel and sophisticated analytical approach for in situ and simultaneous detection of multiple analytes. Multiplexing offers the possibility of monitoring complex microenvironments, which are otherwise difficult to characterize in a rapid and minimally invasive manner. For example, this technology could be utilized for simultaneous monitoring of extracellular levels of, glucose, lactate and pH,9 which are important metabolic indicators of disease states7,10-14 (e.g., cancer proliferation) and exercise-induced acidosis.15

This article details the construction of a multiplexed microneedle-based sensor. The device is being developed for in situ sampling and electrochemical analysis of multiple analytes in a rapid and selective manner. We envision clinical medicine and biomedical research uses for these microneedle-based sensors.

Hohle Mikronadel-basierten Sensor für Multiplex Transdermale elektrochemische Nachweis

The development of a minimally invasive multiplexed monitoring system for rapid analysis of biologically-relevant molecules could offer individuals ...

Evaluation of Polymeric Gene Delivery Nanoparticles by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis and High-throughput Flow Cytometry

Non-viral gene delivery using polymeric nanoparticles has emerged as an attractive approach for gene therapy to treat genetic diseases1 and as a technology for regenerative medicine2. Unlike viruses, which have significant safety issues, polymeric nanoparticles can be designed to be non-toxic, non-immunogenic, non-mutagenic, easier to synthesize, chemically versatile, capable of carrying larger nucleic acid cargo and biodegradable and/or environmentally responsive. Cationic polymers self-assemble with negatively charged DNA via electrostatic interaction to form complexes on the order of 100 nm that are commonly termed polymeric nanoparticles. Examples of biomaterials used to form nanoscale polycationic gene delivery nanoparticles include polylysine, polyphosphoesters, poly(amidoamines)s and polyethylenimine (PEI), which is a non-degradable off-the-shelf cationic polymer commonly used for nucleic acid delivery1,3 . Poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs) are a newer class of cationic polymers4 that are hydrolytically degradable5,6 and have been shown to be effective at gene delivery to hard-to-transfect cell types such as human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs)7, mouse mammary epithelial cells8, human brain cancer cells9 and macrovascular (human umbilical vein, HUVECs) endothelial cells10.
A new protocol to characterize polymeric nanoparticles utilizing nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) is described. In this approach, both the particle size distribution and the distribution of the number of plasmids per particle are obtained11. In addition, a high-throughput 96-well plate transfection assay for rapid screening of the transfection efficacy of polymeric nanoparticles is presented. In this protocol, poly(beta-amino ester)s (PBAEs) are used as model polymers and human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) are used as model human cells. This protocol can be easily adapted to evaluate any polymeric nanoparticle and any cell type of interest in a multi-well plate format.

A protocol for nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and high-throughput flow cytometry to evaluate polymeric gene delivery nanoparticles is described. NTA is utilized to characterize the nanoparticle particle size distribution and the plasmid per particle distribution. High-throughput flow cytometry enables quantitative transfection efficacy evaluation for a library of gene delivery biomaterials.

Evaluation von polymeren Gene Delivery-Nanopartikeln durch Nanopartikel Tracking-Analyse und High-throughput Durchflusszytometrie

Non-viral gene delivery using polymeric nanoparticles has emerged as an attractive approach for gene therapy to treat genetic diseases1 and as a ...

Microfluidic Fabrication of Polymeric and Biohybrid Fibers with Predesigned Size and Shape

A &#8220;sheath&#8221; fluid passing through a microfluidic channel at low Reynolds number can be directed around another &#8220;core&#8221; stream and used to dictate the shape as well as the diameter of a core stream.&#160;Grooves in the top and bottom of a microfluidic channel were designed to direct the sheath fluid and shape the core fluid.&#160;By matching the viscosity and hydrophilicity of the sheath and core fluids, the interfacial effects are minimized and complex fluid shapes can be formed.&#160;Controlling the relative flow rates of the sheath and core fluids determines the cross-sectional area of the core fluid.&#160;Fibers have been produced with sizes ranging from 300 nm to ~1 mm, and fiber cross-sections can be round, flat, square, or complex as in the case with double anchor fibers. Polymerization of the core fluid downstream from the shaping region solidifies the fibers.&#160;Photoinitiated click chemistries are well suited for rapid polymerization of the core fluid by irradiation with ultraviolet light.&#160;Fibers with a wide variety of shapes have been produced from a list of polymers including liquid crystals, poly(methylmethacrylate), thiol-ene and thiol-yne resins, polyethylene glycol, and hydrogel derivatives. Minimal shear during the shaping process and mild polymerization conditions also makes the fabrication process well suited for encapsulation of cells and other biological components.

Two adjacent fluids passing through a grooved microfluidic channel can be directed to form a sheath around a prepolymer core; thereby&#160;determining both shape and cross-section. Photoinitiated polymerization, such as thiol click chemistry, is well suited for rapidly solidifying the core fluid into a microfiber with predetermined size and shape.

Mikrofluidische Herstellung von Polymer- und Biohybridfasern mit vorgefertigter Größe und Form

A &#8220;sheath&#8221; fluid passing through a microfluidic channel at low Reynolds number can be directed around another &#8220;core&#8221; stream and ...

Biomembrane Fabrication by the Solvent-assisted Lipid Bilayer (SALB) Method

In order to mimic cell membranes, the supported lipid bilayer (SLB) is an attractive platform which enables in vitro investigation of membrane-related processes while conferring biocompatibility and biofunctionality to solid substrates. The spontaneous adsorption and rupture of phospholipid vesicles is the most commonly used method to form SLBs. However, under physiological conditions, vesicle fusion (VF) is limited to only a subset of lipid compositions and solid supports. Here, we describe a one-step general procedure called the solvent-assisted lipid bilayer (SALB) formation method in order to form SLBs which does not require vesicles. The SALB method involves the deposition of lipid molecules onto a solid surface in the presence of water-miscible organic solvents (e.g., isopropanol) and subsequent solvent-exchange with aqueous buffer solution in order to trigger SLB formation. The continuous solvent exchange step enables application of the method in a flow-through configuration suitable for monitoring bilayer formation and subsequent alterations using a wide range of surface-sensitive biosensors. The SALB method can be used to fabricate SLBs on a wide range of hydrophilic solid surfaces, including those which are intractable to vesicle fusion. In addition, it enables fabrication of SLBs composed of lipid compositions which cannot be prepared using the vesicle fusion method. Herein, we compare results obtained with the SALB and conventional vesicle fusion methods on two illustrative hydrophilic surfaces, silicon dioxide and gold. To optimize the experimental conditions for preparation of high quality bilayers prepared via the SALB method, the effect of various parameters, including the type of organic solvent in the deposition step, the rate of solvent exchange, and the lipid concentration is discussed along with troubleshooting tips. Formation of supported membranes containing high fractions of cholesterol is also demonstrated with the SALB method, highlighting the technical capabilities of the SALB technique for a wide range of membrane configurations.

Biomembrane Fabrication by the Solvent-assisted Lipid Bilayer SALB Method

We present an experimental protocol to form a supported lipid bilayer on solid substrates without using lipid vesicles. We demonstrate a one-step method to form a lipid bilayer on silicon dioxide and gold as well as supported membranes with cholesterol-enriched domain for various biological applications.

Biomembran Fabrication durch das Lösungsmittel-unterstützten Lipiddoppelschicht (SALB) Methode

In order to mimic cell membranes, the supported lipid bilayer (SLB) is an attractive platform which enables in vitro investigation of membrane-related ...

Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications

Superhydrophobic materials, with surfaces possessing permanent or metastable non-wetted states, are of interest for a number of biomedical and industrial applications. Here we describe how electrospinning or electrospraying a polymer mixture containing a biodegradable, biocompatible aliphatic polyester (e.g., polycaprolactone and poly(lactide-co-glycolide)), as the major component, doped with a hydrophobic copolymer composed of the polyester and a stearate-modified poly(glycerol carbonate) affords a superhydrophobic biomaterial. The fabrication techniques of electrospinning or electrospraying provide the enhanced surface roughness and porosity on and within the fibers or the particles, respectively. The use of a low surface energy copolymer dopant that blends with the polyester and can be stably electrospun or electrosprayed affords these superhydrophobic materials. Important parameters such as fiber size, copolymer dopant composition and/or concentration, and their effects on wettability are discussed. This combination of polymer chemistry and process engineering affords a versatile approach to develop application-specific materials using scalable techniques, which are likely generalizable to a wider class of polymers for a variety of applications.

Two- and three-dimensional superhydrophobic polymeric materials are prepared by electrospinning or electrospraying biodegradable polymers blended with a lower surface energy polymer of similar composition.

Herstellung Superhydrophobe Polymere Materialien für biomedizinische Anwendungen

Superhydrophobic materials, with surfaces possessing permanent or metastable non-wetted states, are of interest for a number of biomedical and industrial ...

Multi-step Variable Height Photolithography for Valved Multilayer Microfluidic Devices

Microfluidic systems have enabled powerful new approaches to high-throughput biochemical and biological analysis. However, there remains a barrier to entry for non-specialists who would benefit greatly from the ability to develop their own microfluidic devices to address research questions. Particularly lacking has been the open dissemination of protocols related to photolithography, a key step in the development of a replica mold for the manufacture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices. While the fabrication of single height silicon masters has been explored extensively in literature, fabrication steps for more complicated photolithography features necessary for many interesting device functionalities (such as feature rounding to make valve structures, multi-height single-mold patterning, or high aspect ratio definition) are often not explicitly outlined. 
Here, we provide a complete protocol for making multilayer microfluidic devices with valves and complex multi-height geometries, tunable for any application. These fabrication procedures are presented in the context of a microfluidic hydrogel bead synthesizer and demonstrate the production of droplets containing polyethylene glycol (PEG diacrylate) and a photoinitiator that can be polymerized into solid beads. This protocol and accompanying discussion provide a foundation of design principles and fabrication methods that enables development of a wide variety of microfluidic devices. The details included here should allow non-specialists to design and fabricate novel devices, thereby bringing a host of recently developed technologies to their most exciting applications in biological laboratories.

Multilayer microfluidic devices often involve the fabrication of master molds with complex geometries for functionality. This article presents a complete protocol for multi-step photolithography with valves and variable height features tunable to any application. As a demonstration, we fabricate a microfluidic droplet generator capable of producing hydrogel beads.

Mehrstufige Höhenverstellbarem Lithografie für Valved Mehrschichtige Mikrofluidiksysteme

Microfluidic systems have enabled powerful new approaches to high-throughput biochemical and biological analysis. However, there remains a barrier to ...

Fabrication of a Multiplexed Artificial Cellular MicroEnvironment Array

Cellular microenvironments consist of a variety of cues, such as growth factors, extracellular matrices, and intercellular interactions. These cues are well orchestrated and are crucial in regulating cell functions in a living system. Although a number of researchers have attempted to investigate the correlation between environmental factors and desired cellular functions, much remains unknown. This is largely due to the lack of a proper methodology to mimic such environmental cues in vitro, and simultaneously test different environmental cues on cells. Here, we report an integrated platform of microfluidic channels and a nanofiber array, followed by high-content single-cell analysis, to examine stem cell phenotypes altered by distinct environmental factors. To demonstrate the application of this platform, this study focuses on the phenotypes of self-renewing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here, we present the preparation procedures for a nanofiber array and the microfluidic structure in the fabrication of a Multiplexed Artificial Cellular MicroEnvironment (MACME) array. Moreover, overall steps of the single-cell profiling, cell staining with multiple fluorescent markers, multiple fluorescence imaging, and statistical analyses, are described.

This article describes the detailed methodology to prepare a Multiplexed Artificial Cellular MicroEnvironment (MACME) array for high-throughput manipulation of physical and chemical cues mimicking in vivo cellular microenvironments and to identify the optimal cellular environment for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with single-cell profiling.

Herstellung eines Multiplex künstliche zellulären Mikroumgebung Arrays

Cellular microenvironments consist of a variety of cues, such as growth factors, extracellular matrices, and intercellular interactions. These cues are ...

Detection of Endotoxin in Nano-formulations Using Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) Assays

When present in pharmaceutical products, a Gram-negative bacterial cell wall component endotoxin (often also called lipopolysaccharide) can cause inflammation, fever, hypo- or hypertension, and, in extreme cases, can lead to tissue and organ damage that may become fatal. The amounts of endotoxin in pharmaceutical products, therefore, are strictly regulated. Among the methods available for endotoxin detection and quantification, the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay is commonly used worldwide. While any pharmaceutical product can interfere with the LAL assay, nano-formulations represent a particular challenge due to their complexity. The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical guide to researchers inexperienced in estimating endotoxins in engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticle-formulated drugs. Herein, practical recommendations for performing three LAL formats including turbidity, chromogenic and gel-clot assays are discussed. These assays can be used to determine endotoxin contamination in nanotechnology-based drug products, vaccines, and adjuvants.

Detection of Endotoxin in Nano-formulations Using Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate LAL Assays

Detection of endotoxins in engineered nanomaterials represents one of the grand challenges in the field of nanomedicine. Here, we present a case study that describes the framework composed of three different LAL formats to estimate potential endotoxin contamination in nanoparticles.