単一運動性微生物の刺激応答計測のためのマイクロロボティックプラットホーム

九州工業大学博士学位論文 学位記番号:生工博甲第355号 学位授与年月日:令和元年9月20日1 Introduction|2 Observation Platform|3 Stimulation Platform|4 Application to Actual Motile Microorganisms|5 Conclusion九州工業大学令和元年

The Role of MEMS in In-Vitro-Fertilization

The assisted reproduction has been considered a viable solution for the infertility of humankind for more than four decades. In-Vitro-Fertilization (IVF) is one of the most successful assisted reproduction techniques, where the reproductive cell of the female partner is fertilized outside of her body. Initially, the IVF process has been conducted manually by an experienced embryologist. However, even with a highly experienced individual, the operation had extremely lower success rates due to the limited control in environmental conditions and the requirement of precise movements. Therefore, to address this technological deficit, the feasibility of the mechatronics devices for IVF procedures has been investigated. Among the different mechatronics concepts, micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technologies have been gradually attracted to the IVF process and improved its capabilities. The purpose of this paper is to present a brief overview of the role of MEMS technologies in IVF. The article classifies the MEMS technologies in IVF based on their application in order to emphasize its contribution. In addition, the article extensively discusses the state-of-the-art mechatronic techniques utilized in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), one of the most popular techniques used in IVF. This review article expects to become extremely beneficial for the engineering researchers new to this field who seek critical information on IVF in simple terms with highlights on the possible advancements and challenges that may emerge in the future

Lab-on-a-Chip Fabrication and Application

The necessity of on-site, fast, sensitive, and cheap complex laboratory analysis, associated with the advances in the microfabrication technologies and the microfluidics, made it possible for the creation of the innovative device lab-on-a-chip (LOC), by which we would be able to scale a single or multiple laboratory processes down to a chip format. The present book is dedicated to the LOC devices from two points of view: LOC fabrication and LOC application

Single Cell Transfection through Precise Microinjection with Quantitatively Controlled Injection Volumes

Cell transfection is a technique wherein foreign genetic molecules are delivered into cells. To elucidate distinct responses during cell genetic modification, methods to achieve transfection at the single-cell level are of great value. Herein, we developed an automated micropipette-based quantitative microinjection technology that can deliver precise amounts of materials into cells. The developed microinjection system achieved precise single-cell microinjection by pre-patterning cells in an array and controlling the amount of substance delivered based on injection pressure and time. The precision of the proposed injection technique was examined by comparing the fluorescence intensities of fluorescent dye droplets with a standard concentration and water droplets with a known injection amount of the dye in oil. Injection of synthetic modified mRNA (modRNA) encoding green fluorescence proteins or a cocktail of plasmids encoding green and red fluorescence proteins into human foreskin fibroblast cells demonstrated that the resulting green fluorescence intensity or green/red fluorescence intensity ratio were well correlated with the amount of genetic material injected into the cells. Single-cell transfection via the developed microinjection technique will be of particular use in cases where cell transfection is challenging and genetically modified of selected cells are desiredpublished_or_final_versio

Multifunctional microrobot with real-time visualization and magnetic resonance imaging for chemoembolization therapy of liver cancer

Microrobots that can be precisely guided to target lesions have been studied for in vivo medical applications. However, existing microrobots have challenges in vivo such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, actuation module, and intra- and postoperative imaging. This study reports microrobots visualized with real-time x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can be magnetically guided to tumor feeding vessels for transcatheter liver chemoembolization in vivo. The microrobots, composed of a hydrogel-enveloped porous structure and magnetic nanoparticles, enable targeted delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents via magnetic guidance from the actuation module under real-time x-ray imaging. In addition, the microrobots can be tracked using MRI as postoperative imaging and then slowly degrade over time. The in vivo validation of microrobot system-mediated chemoembolization was demonstrated in a rat liver with a tumor model. The proposed microrobot provides an advanced medical robotic platform that can overcome the limitations of existing microrobots and current liver chemoembolization.ope

Advanced medical micro-robotics for early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions

Recent technological advances in micro-robotics have demonstrated their immense potential for biomedical applications. Emerging micro-robots have versatile sensing systems, flexible locomotion and dexterous manipulation capabilities that can significantly contribute to the healthcare system. Despite the appreciated and tangible benefits of medical micro-robotics, many challenges still remain. Here, we review the major challenges, current trends and significant achievements for developing versatile and intelligent micro-robotics with a focus on applications in early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. We also consider some recent emerging micro-robotic technologies that employ synthetic biology to support a new generation of living micro-robots. We expect to inspire future development of micro-robots toward clinical translation by identifying the roadblocks that need to be overcome

Micro-manufacturing : research, technology outcomes and development issues

Besides continuing effort in developing MEMS-based manufacturing techniques, latest effort in Micro-manufacturing is also in Non-MEMS-based manufacturing. Research and technological development (RTD) in this field is encouraged by the increased demand on micro-components as well as promised development in the scaling down of the traditional macro-manufacturing processes for micro-length-scale manufacturing. This paper highlights some EU funded research activities in micro/nano-manufacturing, and gives examples of the latest development in micro-manufacturing methods/techniques, process chains, hybrid-processes, manufacturing equipment and supporting technologies/device, etc., which is followed by a summary of the achievements of the EU MASMICRO project. Finally, concluding remarks are given, which raise several issues concerning further development in micro-manufacturing

Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Based Microfluidic Devices for Biomedical Applications

Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) based microfluidic devices have gained popularity in biomedicine field over the last few years. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of microfluidic devices such as micropumps and microneedles has been presented for biomedical applications. The aim of this paper is to present the major features and issues related to micropumps and microneedles, e.g., working principles, actuation methods, fabrication techniques, construction, performance parameters, failure analysis, testing, safety issues, applications, commercialization issues and future prospects. Based on the actuation mechanisms, the micropumps are classified into two main types, i.e., mechanical and non-mechanical micropumps. Microneedles can be categorized according to their structure, fabrication process, material, overall shape, tip shape, size, array density and application. The presented literature review on micropumps and microneedles will provide comprehensive information for researchers working on design and development of microfluidic devices for biomedical applications