A primeira etapa do projeto foi realizar testes para usinagem controlada e otimizada de vidro ótico de borosilicato (BK7) por laser de femtossegundos. Parâmetros como energia, pulsos sobrepostos e a variação da posição focal foram investigados para controle da taxa de remoção do material e extensão da cratera ablacionada. Especial atenção foi dada à condição física e topográfica da superfície resultante da usinagem para torná-la menos rugosa e evitar a retenção de reagentes que possam contaminar e alterar as reações pretendidas. Microcanais, microválvulas, microbombas, misturadores, microrreatores, aquecedores e outros componentes foram desenvolvidos para compor sistemas microfluídicos. Os microcanais construídos sobre a superfície de vidro BK7 vedados por uma lâmina de polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS) são a base dos sistemas microfluídicos. O controle de fluxo de reagentes é feito por miniválvulas pneumáticas controladas por um microcontrolador Arduino através de uma plataforma Labview. Este trabalho mostra os componentes desenvolvidos e dois sistemas microfluídicos criados. O primeiro contém um circuito capaz de replicar ensaios imunoenzimáticos (ELISA) com um custo muito menor de insumos. O segundo é um sistema para a produção de nanocristais fluorescentes de NaYF4 especialmente utilizados como marcadores em imagens de sistemas biológicos. / The first stage of the project was to perform tests for controlled and optimized machining of borosilicate optical glass (BK7) by femtosecond laser. Parameters such as energy, number of overlapped pulses, and the focal position variation were investigated for a better extraction of material. Microchannels, microvalves, micropumps, mixers, reactors, heaters and other components were developed to compose applied microfluidic systems. Microchannels built on the surface of BK7 glass sealed by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sheet form the basis of the microfluidic circuits. The reagents flow control is done by pneumatic mini-valves controlled by an Arduino microcontroller through a Labview platform. This work shows the components developed and two microfluidic systems created. The first contains a microfluidic circuit capable of replicating enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with a much lower cost of materials. The second has a microfluidic circuit for the production of NaYF4 fluorescent nanocrystals specially used as markers in images of biologic systems.

Este trabalho de doutorado apresenta o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias para fabricação de microsistemas analíticos e detecção eletroquímica. Primeiramente, a poliuretana elastomérica, derivada de uma fonte renovável, o óleo de mamona, foi utilizada como um novo e alternativo material para fabricação de microdispositivos. Foram avaliadas as características físicas dos microcanais formados por moldagem, a compatibilidade química com solventes e eletrólitos, as características de superfície através dos ângulos de contato, o EOF em diferentes pHs e a performance analítica em experimentos de eletroforese com detecção eletroquímica. A segunda parte do trabalho apresenta o desenvolvimento de um método para a determinação simultânea de azo-corantes comumente usados na indústria alimentícia. Amaranto, amarelo crepúsculo FCF, amarelo sólido AB, ponceu 4R e vermelho 2G, foram separados e quantificados através de eletroforese em microdispositivos com detecção eletroquímica. Foram estudados e otimizados vários parâmetros que influenciaram a separação eletroforética e detecção eletroquímica, em experimentos realizados usando microdispositivos de vidro e eletrodo de trabalho de carbono vítreo. Finalmente, a terceira parte desse trabalho apresenta o uso das propriedades magnéticas e eletrocatalíticas de nanofios de níquel no desenvolvimento de um detector adaptativo magneticamente modulável para eletroforese em microdispositivos. / The development of microfluidic analytical systems has witnessed an explosive growth during the last 15 years. Particular attention has been given to microchip electrophoresis because of their fast and efficient separation capabilities. Electrochemistry detection offers considerable promise for such microfluidic systems, with features that include remarkable sensitivity, inherent miniaturization and portability, low cost, and high compatibility with microfabrication technologies. This thesis shows the development of new fabrication technologies for miniaturized analytical systems with electrochemical detection and it is presented in four chapters, Chapter I shows an introductory view of the main aspects related to miniaturization of analytical systems and amperometric detection configurations commonly coupled to microchip electrophoresis. In Chapter II, the use of elastomeric polyurethane (PU), derived from castor oil (CO) biosource, as a new material for fabrication of microfluidic devices by rapid prototyping is presented. Including the irreversible sealing step, PU microchips were fabricated in less than 1 h by casting PU resin directly on the positive high-relief molds fabricated by standard photolithography and nickel electrodeposition. Physical characterization of microchannels was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry. Polymer surface was characterized using contact angle measurements and the results showed that the hydrophilicity of the PU surface increases after oxygen plasma treatment. The polymer surface demonstrated the capability of generating an electroosmotic flow (EOF) of 2.6 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 s-1 at pH 7 in the cathode direction, which was characterized by current monitoring method at different pH values. The compatibility of PU with a wide range of solvents and electrolytes was tested by determining its degree of swelling over a 24 h period of contact. The performance of microfluidic systems fabricated using this new material was evaluated by fabricating miniaturized capillary electrophoresis systems. We used catecholamines as model analytes that were separated in aqueous solutions and detected with end-channel amperometric detection. In Chapter III, a method based on microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection has been developed for the simultaneous determination of Yellow AB, Red 2G, Sunset Yellow, Ponceu 4R, and Amaranth which are azo-dyes frequently added to foodstuffs. Factors affecting both separation and detection processes were examined and optimized, with best performance achieved by using a 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 11) as running buffer and applying a voltage of 2500 V both in the separation and in the electrokinetic injection (duration 4 s). Under these optimal conditions, the target dye analytes could be separated and detected within 300 s by applying a detection potential of -1,0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) to the glassy carbon (GC) working electrode. The recorded peaks were characterized by a good repeatability (RSD = 1,8 - 3,2%), high sensitivity, and a wide linear range. Detection limits of 3.8, 3.4, 3.6, 9.1, 15.1 ?M were obtained for Yellow AB, Red 2G, Sunset Yellow, Ponceu 4R, and Amaranth, respectively. Fast, sensitive, and selective response makes the new microchip protocol very attractive for the quantitative analysis of commercial soft drinks and candies Finally, in Chapter IV, we demonstrate for the first time the use of adaptive functional nickel nanowires for switching on demand operation of microfluidic devices. Controlled reversible magnetic positioning and orientation of these nanowires at the microchannel outlet offers modulation of the detection and separation processes, respectively. The former facilitates switching between active and passive detection states to allow the microchip to be periodically activated to perform a measurement and reset it to the passive (\"off\") state between measurements. Fine magnetic tuning of the separation process (post channel broadening of the analyte zone) is achieved by reversibly modulating the nanowire orientation (i.e., detector alignment) at the channel outlet. The concept can be extended to other microchip functions and stimuli-responsive materials and holds great promise for regulating the operation of microfluidic devices in reaction to specific needs or unforeseen scenarios.

A eletroforese capilar em microchips (µCE ou MCE) é uma forma diferente de eletroforese capilar que tem se desenvolvido muito nos últimos anos. Essa técnica usa microdispositivos feitos em placas que podem ser de vidro ou polímero contendo canais de dimensões micrométricas ao invés de um capilar de sílica. Ganhos significativos têm sido obtidos em termos de tempo de análise, volume manipulado, dimensões físicas, consumo energético e integrabilidade com outros sistemas. Neste trabalho foi empregada uma técnica diferente de microfabricação, usando toner de impressora laser e folhas de transparência para a construção de dispositivos para microfluídica. A técnica se mostra simples, rápida e excelente para prototipagem. Visando a aplicação desses microchips de toner-poliéster, esse trabalho teve como objetivo o desenvolvimento de instrumentação para separações químicas usando microdispositivos de toner-poliéster. Fontes de alta-tensão e de corrente foram desenvolvidas usando módulos conversores de baixa para alta-tensão elétrica. As programações das fontes foram feitas usando tensões elétricas geradas por uma placa de aquisição de dados ou por um conversor digital-analógico (DAC) com uma interface de comunicação I2C. Todo o controle foi desenvolvido em sistema GNU/Linux. Um sistema de injeção hidrodinâmico também foi desenvolvido usando um compressor de ar de diafragma juntamente com um sistema de amortecimento pneumático de pulsações e tendo sua pressão interna estabilizada por uma coluna d\'água. Um medidor de pressão eletrônico foi desenvolvido, usando um sensor de pressão, e calibrado com um manômetro de coluna d\'água. Registros de pressão de -10, -1, +1 e +10cm de coluna d\'água em função de diferentes tempos de injeção foram feitos usando um software controlando o acionamento do injetor hidrodinâmico e efetuando leituras do medidor de pressão eletrônico. Os dados mostram que colunas d\'água de 10cm e tempos de injeção maiores que 3 segundos exibem um desvio padrão relativo (RSD) de aproximadamente 0,5% em módulo. uUma proposta diferente de construção de reservatórios é apresentada. Tal proposta usa mantas de silicone e um bloco de acrílico para a definição dos reservatórios. Observou-se que essa configuração promove o estrangulamento dos canais nas microestruturas de toner-poliéster. Assim, a configuração de colagem de reservatórios por pedaços de tubos, mostrou-se melhor para uso com dispositivos de toner-poliéster descartáveis. Uma nova forma de confecção de eletrodos para detecção condutométrica sem contato acoplada capacitivamente (C4D) foi desenvolvida usando placas de circuito impresso (PCB). Após a confecção dos eletrodos pelo processo de corrosão de PCB a placa foi recoberta com uma resina para que os espaços entre os eletrodos ficassem da mesma altura da camada de cobre. Essa configuração é simples e permite uma maior integração de circuitos eletrônicos. Testes de separação eletroforética foram feitos usando a instrumentação desenvolvida neste trabalho. Soluções de 100µM dos cloretos de K+, Na+ e Li+ dissolvidos em tampão HLac/His 2mM foram usadas para os testes. Essas espécies foram injetadas eletrocineticamente e separadas usando tampão HLac/His 20mM. A quantificação não foi possível por apresentar irreprodutibilidade no processo de injeção devido ao uso de espécies de elevada mobilidade, juntamente com longos canais de injeção. Também foram realizados testes com amostras de sangue permitindo a separação de K+ e Na+ sem pré-tratamento. Separações isotacoforéticas de 1mM dos cloretos de K+, Na+ e Li+ e 1mM de HCl, como eletrólito líder, e 1mM de cloreto de tetrametilamônio, como terminador, foram realizadas para demonstrar a funcionalidade do sistema em sistemas isotacoforéticos. / The Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis (µCE or MCE) is a different kind of capillary electrophoresis that has been growing. This technique uses devices made with small plates of glass or polymer with a microchannel instead of a silica capilar. Improvements in time analysis, sample volumes, physical dimensions, power consume, and integrability with diferent systems have been archieved. A diferent microfabrication technique using laser printer toner and polyester sheets was used to build devices for microfluidic devices. This tecnique is simple, fast and suitable for prototyping. In this work were developed instruments for use with these toner-polyester microdevices. High-voltage and current sources were developed using high-voltage conversors (DC/HVDC). The programming was obtained by electric voltages from a data acquisition board and a digital-analogic conversor (DAC) with a I2C interface communication. Its control was made in a GNU/Linux System. An hidrodynamic injector was developed using an air compressor with a pulse dumper. The internal pressure was regulated by water column. An electronic manometer was built and calibrated with a water manometer. Recording of pressure using -10, -1, +1, and +10cm water column using different injection times were acquired with a data acquisition system. The data show that when water columns of ca. 10cm and injection times greater than 3 seconds are used, the relative standard deviation (RSD) is about 0.5% in modulus. A different way to build vials is presented. This method uses a silicone mantle and plastic glass block with holes. As a result, channels are stragled due to the poliester sheets. A new way to build electrodes for capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) using printed circuit boards (PCB) is shown. After the corrosion of the copper board, varnish is applied on the board to planify its surface. This configuration is simple and allows good integrability with the electronic circuit. Electrophoretic tests using the instrumentation developed was performed by separation of 100µM K+, Na+ and Li+ solutions in 2mM HLac/His buffer. This solutions were injected by electrokinetic method and separated using 20mM HLac/His buffer under high-voltage. The three species were detected but not quantified due to irreprodutibilities of the electrokinetic injection with high mobility ions. Demonstrative separations of K+ and Na+ were made with the same chemical system and blood samples without pretreatment. Isotacophoretic separations of 1mM K+, Na+, and Li+ in 1mM HCl (leader electrolyte) and 1mM tetramethylammonium (terminate electrolyte) were carried outto demonstrate the system functionality.

Ce travail de thèse porte sur la réalisation et la validation d'un capteur pour la mesure d'impédance en cytométrie de flux associée à un dispositif microfluidique pour des cellules sanguines dans la gamme de fréquences (100 kHz-10 MHz). Un premier chapitre introduit les propriétés électriques et diélectriques des tissus vivants. Les effets de chaque élément des cellules sur l'impédance globale mesurée sont décrits, ainsi que les modèles associés. Un état de l'art, sur les mesures de l'échelle macroscopique à la mesure unitaire de cellules, est exposé dans le second chapitre. Les mesures en cytométrie de flux et l'utilisation possible des actionneurs à ondes acoustiques de surface (SAW) y sont aussi étudiées. Le troisième chapitre concerne la modélisation analytique et la simulation par la méthode des éléments finis de cellules unitaires par des microélectrodes de différentes géométries. Les résultats de cette section ont permis de déterminer les meilleures géométries, leurs sensibilités, et leurs réponses. La fabrication du capteur est étudiée dans le quatrième chapitre. Les contraintes liées à la faisabilité par les techniques de micro-fabrication et la biocompatibilité des matériaux y sont développées. Des premiers tests de validation sur les écoulements y sont effectués. Le cinquième et dernier chapitre est centré sur la mesure de cellules et particules. Des tests de calibration ont été réalisés pour déterminer le facteur de forme des électrodes et les impédances parasites. Les mesures suivantes sur des cellules et particules ont permis de valider les résultats obtenus en simulation, ainsi que la discrimination des particules testées en fonction de leurs dimensions / This thesis focuses on the implementation and validation of a microfluidic bioimpedance sensor for cytometric measures in the frequency range ( 100kHz - 10MHz ) of biological cells ( blood cells) combined with a microfluidic device. The first chapter introduces the electrical and dielectric properties of living tissues and summarizes the state of the art. The effects of each element of the cells on the overall measured impedance are described, as well as the associated models. A state of the art, on the bioimpedance macroscopic measurements unit cell is outlined in the second chapter. Measurements by flow cytometry and the possible use of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices as actuators are also studied. The third chapter deals with analytical modeling and simulation by the finite element method of unit cells by microelectrodes of different geometries. 3D simulations were done showing the best configuration for the electrodes design. The results of this section were used to determine the best geometry, their sensibilities, and their answers. The sensor design is described in the fourth chapter. Technological constraints related to its micro- fabrication techniques feasibility and biocompatibility of materials are developed. Flows validation tests were done and are described. The fifth and final chapter focuses on the measurement of cells and particles. In a first step, calibration tests were carried out to determine the form factor of the electrodes and the parasitic impedances. Measurements on cells and particles were used to validate the results obtained in simulation, as well as discrimination based particles tested their dimensions

Personalized cancer medicine is a cancer care paradigm in which diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are customized for individual patients. Microsystems that are created by Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology and integrate various diagnostic and therapeutic methods on a single chip hold great potential to enable personalized cancer medicine. Toward ultimate realization of such microsystems, this thesis focuses on developing critical functional building blocks that perform genetic variation identification (single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping) and specific, efficient and flexible cell manipulation on microfluidic surfaces. For the identification of genetic variations, we first present a bead-based approach to detect single-base mutations by performing single-base extension (SBE) of SNP specific primers on solid surfaces. Successful genotyping of the SNP on exon 1 of HBB gene demonstrates the potential of the device for simple, rapid, and accurate detection of SNPs. In addition, a multi-step solution-based approach, which integrates SBE with mass-tagged dideoxynucleotides and solid-phase purification of extension products, is also presented. Rapid, accurate and simultaneous detection of 4 loci on a synthetic template demonstrates the capability of multiplex genotyping with reduced consumption of samples and reagents. For cell manipulation, we first present a microfluidic device for cell purification with surface-immobilized aptamers, exploiting the strong temperature dependence of the affinity binding between aptamers and cells. Further, we demonstrate the feasibility of using aptamers to specifically separate target cells from a heterogeneous solution and employing environmental changes to retrieve purified cells. Moreover, spatially specific capture and selective temperature-mediated release of cells on design-specified areas is presented, which demonstrates the ability to establish cell arrays on pre-defined regions and to collect only specifically selected cell groups for downstream analysis. We also investigate tunable microfluidic trapping of cells by exploiting the large compliance of elastomers to create an array of cell-trapping microstructures, whose dimensions can be mechanically modulated by inducing uniform strain via the application of external force. Cell trapping under different strain modulations has been studied, and capture of a predetermined number of cells, from single cells to multiple cells, has been achieved. In addition, to address the lack of aptamers for targets of interest, which is a major hindrance to aptamer-based cell manipulation, we present a microfluidic device for synthetically isolating cell-targeting aptamers from a randomized single-strand DNA (ssDNA) library, integrating cell culturing with affinity selection and amplification of cell-binding ssDNA. Multi-round aptamer isolation on a single chip has also been realized by using pressure-driven flow. Finally, some perspectives on future work are presented, and strategies and notable issues are discussed for further development of MEMS/microfluidics-based devices for personalized cancer medicine.

Miniaturization of devices to study chemical interactions and processes in liquid samples has led to the emergence of microfluidics and construction of lab-on-a-chip systems. Present work was devoted to implementation, development and testing of microfluidic systems with detection by confocal Raman microscopy and surface enhanced Raman scattering under the conditions of training department. Several options of performing standard macroscopic measurements in microscopic scales were explored. A method for measuring thermal stability of biopolymers in microsystems with contactless detection of temperature has been designed and tested. Furthermore, possibilites for studying the SERS effect within microfluidic channels were explored. It was demonstrated that the microfluidic chips provide promising opportunity to study hydrodynamics of liquids at microscopic level and chemical reactions and kinetics.

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No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Paulo de Tarso Garcia - 2017.pdf: 4177950 bytes, checksum: b76155aa4a091b54d3ad6a2ff6f1e6c6 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-12-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / This study describes the development of low cost colorimetric and electrochemical sensors aiming clinical and forensic applications. Firstly, a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was developed as colorimetric sensor for rapid estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) on the crime scene using human vitreous-humour (VH) samples. Experimental parameters were optimized and the best conditions were: paper 1 CHR, 5 mm microzone diameter, 4 μL sample volume and 0.05 mol/L chromogen concentration. μPADs were coupled to colorimetric detection and the feasibility was demonstrated by Fe2+ determination in VH samples, in which the data were not statistically different from conventional technique (ICP-MS). It is important to highlight that Fe2+ levels were proportional to PMI. A color scale was also developed to help the forensic teams in order to estimate the PMI with a simple, quick and visual way. For electrochemical sensors, two different sensors were proposed to determine salivary α-amylase (sAA) levels in human saliva samples, aiming help in the diagnostic of pancreatitis and periodontitis. The first sensor based in a carbon screen-printed electrode (SPE) associated to amperometric detection. Experimental parameters were optimized and the best conditions were: 5 mmol L-1 NaOH (pH= 12), 20 min reaction time, 15 μL sAA volume and 0.5% (w/v) starch concentration. The feasibility of the sensor was demonstrated by sAA determination in five saliva samples (two from male donators and three from female individuals). The sAA concentrations ranged between 182.1 e 1117.1 U mL-1; once two female samples presented high sAA levels because the use of oral contraceptive. The other proposed electrochemical sensor was based in a Batch Injection Analysis with Amperometric Detection (BIA-AD) system using copper oxide (CuO) as working electrode (WE). Through experimental optimization was selected the potential that generate the best current signal. The WE obtained by a chemical/thermal treatment present good stability, once the relative standard deviation (RSD) value was 0.3%, which is ca. 75 fold lower than the RSD obtained with the electrochemical procedure to generate CuO in the electrode surface. The feasibility of the sensor was demonstrated by sAA determination in four human saliva samples. Was possible distinguish patients with and without periodontitis, obtaining thus a quick information about periodontal state of the patients. In general, the three proposed sensors in this study offered good precision, accuracy and specificity. Furthermore, the sensors are simple, portables, low cost and not requires none sophisticate instrumentation. Therefore, they present as promising alternatives to be used in point-of-care clinical and forensic analysis. / O trabalho descrito nesta tese demonstra o desenvolvimento de sensores colorimétricos e eletroquímicos de baixo custo, para aplicações nas áreas clínica e forense. Inicialmente, foi desenvolvido um dispositivo microfluídico de papel (μPAD, do inglês microfluidic paper-based analytical device) como sensor colorimétrico, visando a estimativa rápida do intervalo post-mortem (IPM) na cena do crime usando amostras de humor vítreo (HV) humano. Parâmetros experimentais foram otimizados e as melhores condições foram: papel tipo 1 CHR, microzona com 5 mm de diâmetro, volume de amostra de 4 μL e concentração de cromógeno de 0,05 mol/L. Os μPADs foram acoplados à detecção colorimétrica e a viabilidade foi demonstrada através da determinação dos níveis de Fe2+ em amostras de HV, onde os dados não diferiram estatisticamente da técnica convencional (ICP-MS). Vale ressaltar que os níveis de Fe2+ foram proporcionais ao IPM. Também foi desenvolvida uma escala de cor, para auxiliar as equipes forenses a estimar o IPM de maneira simples, rápida e visual. Em relação aos sensores eletroquímicos, foram propostos dois diferentes sensores para realizar a dosagem de α-amilase salivar (sAA, do inglês salivary α-amylase) em amostras de fluido oral humano, visando auxiliar no diagnóstico de doenças como pancreatite e periodontite. O primeiro sensor baseou-se em um eletrodo impresso (SPE, do inglês screen-printed electrode) de carbono associado a detecção amperométrica. Otimizou-se parâmetros experimentais e as melhores condições foram: concentração de NaOH igual a 5 mmol L-1 (pH= 12), tempo reacional de 20 min, volume de sAA de 15 μL e concentração de amido igual a 0,5% (m/v). A viabilidade do sensor foi demonstrada através da determinação de sAA em cinco amostras de fluido oral (duas de indivíduos do gênero masculino e três do gênero feminino). Os valores de concentração de sAA variaram entre 182,8 e 1117,1 U mL-1; sendo que duas amostras do gênero feminino exibiram elevados níveis de sAA devido ao uso de contraceptivo oral. O outro sensor eletroquímico proposto baseou-se em um sistema de análise por injeção em batelada com detecção amperométrica (BIA-AD, do inglês Batch Injection Analysis with Amperometric Detection) usando eletrodo de trabalho (ET) de óxido de cobre (CuO). Através de uma otimização experimental foi possível selecionar o potencial que fornece o melhor sinal de corrente. O ET obtido por um tratamento químico/térmico apresentou boa estabilidade, onde o valor de desvio padrão relativo (DPR) foi de 0,3%, que é cerca de 75 vezes menor do que o DPR obtido com o procedimento eletroquímico para gerar o CuO na superfície do eletrodo. A viabilidade do sensor foi demonstrada através da dosagem de sAA em quatro amostras de fluido oral humano. Foi possível diferenciar pacientes com e sem periodontite, obtendo assim uma informação rápida sobre a situação periodontal dos pacientes. De maneira geral, os três sensores propostos neste trabalho ofereceram boa precisão, exatidão e especificidade. Além disso, são simples, portáteis, de baixo custo e não requerem nenhuma instrumentação sofisticada. Sendo assim, se apresentam como alternativas promissoras para serem utilizados em análises clínicas e forenses no point-of-care.

Submitted by Luanna Matias (lua_matias@yahoo.com.br) on 2015-02-06T14:55:43Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Paulo de Tarso Garcia - 2014..pdf: 2337784 bytes, checksum: 4d5ad6bbe0d8446d9325ce820d3f96af (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-02-19T14:20:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Paulo de Tarso Garcia - 2014..pdf: 2337784 bytes, checksum: 4d5ad6bbe0d8446d9325ce820d3f96af (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-02-19T14:20:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Paulo de Tarso Garcia - 2014..pdf: 2337784 bytes, checksum: 4d5ad6bbe0d8446d9325ce820d3f96af (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-14 / This report describes the development of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) with chemically modified surface for clinical assays with colorimetric detection. The μPADs were fabricated by a stamping-based method with a heated metal stamp for obtain hydrophobic barriers of paraffin in paper. Before of the stamp step, the paper was oxidized to promote the conversion of hydroxyl groups in aldehyde groups for further chemical activation for the immobilization of enzymes. The μPADs were used for complexometric assays of nitrite and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and enzymatic assays of glucose and uric acid (UA). The chemical modification did provide better color uniformity inside of the detection zones of the enzymatic bioassays. After the chemical modification, the relative standard deviation (RSD) values for glucose and UA assays decreased from 40 to 10% and from 20 to 8%, respectively. Clinical assays for glucose, UA, nitrite and BSA were performed in levels which included the clinical range for each bioassay. We performed quantitative analysis of all analytes in artificial urine sample with error values ranged from 2,5 to 4,0%. The robustness tests proved the stability of the chemical modification process and the thermal stability of the μPADs when stored at different temperatures, showing the potential of the devices as trade platforms for clinical analysis. Advantages such as low cost per assay ($ 0.01), portability and easiness of fabrication enable for the use of μPADs in clinical diagnostics in places with limited resources and at the point-of-care, which is the place where the patient requires the analysis. / Este trabalho descreve o desenvolvimento de dispositivos microfluídicos de papel (μPADs, do inglês microfluidic paper-based analytical devices) com superfície quimicamente modificada para ensaios clínicos utilizando detecção colorimétrica. Os μPADs foram fabricados por um método de carimbagem com o auxílio de um carimbo metálico aquecido para delimitar barreiras hidrofóbicas de parafina no papel. Antes da etapa de carimbagem, o papel foi oxidado para promover a conversão dos grupos hidroxila em grupos aldeídos, para posterior ativação química para imobilização de enzimas. Os μPADs foram utilizados para ensaios complexométricos de nitrito e albumina bovina sérica (BSA, do inglês bovine serum albumin) e ensaios enzimáticos de glicose e ácido úrico (AU). A modificação química utilizada proporcionou uma melhora significativa na uniformidade de cor gerada no interior das zonas de detecção dos bioensaios enzimáticos. Após a modificação química, os valores do desvio padrão relativo (DPR) para os ensaios de glicose e AU diminuíram de 40 para 10% e de 20 para 8%, respectivamente. Ensaios clínicos para glicose, AU, nitrito e BSA foram realizados em concentrações que abrangem a faixa clínica de cada bioensaio. Realizou-se uma análise quantitativa de todos os analitos em uma amostra artificial de urina, obtendo valores de erro entre 2,5 e 4,0%. Os testes de robustez comprovaram a estabilidade do processo de modificação química e a estabilidade térmica dos μPADs quando estocados em diferentes temperaturas, mostrando a potencialidade dos dispositivos como plataformas comerciais para análises clínicas. Vantagens como o baixo custo por ensaio (R$ 0,01), portabilidade e facilidade de fabricação contribuem para a utilização dos μPADs em diagnósticos clínicos em locais com recursos limitados e no local de necessidade (point-of-care), que é o local onde o paciente necessita da análise.

A primeira etapa do projeto foi realizar testes para usinagem controlada e otimizada de vidro ótico de borosilicato (BK7) por laser de femtossegundos. Parâmetros como energia, pulsos sobrepostos e a variação da posição focal foram investigados para controle da taxa de remoção do material e extensão da cratera ablacionada. Especial atenção foi dada à condição física e topográfica da superfície resultante da usinagem para torná-la menos rugosa e evitar a retenção de reagentes que possam contaminar e alterar as reações pretendidas. Microcanais, microválvulas, microbombas, misturadores, microrreatores, aquecedores e outros componentes foram desenvolvidos para compor sistemas microfluídicos. Os microcanais construídos sobre a superfície de vidro BK7 vedados por uma lâmina de polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS) são a base dos sistemas microfluídicos. O controle de fluxo de reagentes é feito por miniválvulas pneumáticas controladas por um microcontrolador Arduino através de uma plataforma Labview. Este trabalho mostra os componentes desenvolvidos e dois sistemas microfluídicos criados. O primeiro contém um circuito capaz de replicar ensaios imunoenzimáticos (ELISA) com um custo muito menor de insumos. O segundo é um sistema para a produção de nanocristais fluorescentes de NaYF4 especialmente utilizados como marcadores em imagens de sistemas biológicos. / The first stage of the project was to perform tests for controlled and optimized machining of borosilicate optical glass (BK7) by femtosecond laser. Parameters such as energy, number of overlapped pulses, and the focal position variation were investigated for a better extraction of material. Microchannels, microvalves, micropumps, mixers, reactors, heaters and other components were developed to compose applied microfluidic systems. Microchannels built on the surface of BK7 glass sealed by a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sheet form the basis of the microfluidic circuits. The reagents flow control is done by pneumatic mini-valves controlled by an Arduino microcontroller through a Labview platform. This work shows the components developed and two microfluidic systems created. The first contains a microfluidic circuit capable of replicating enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with a much lower cost of materials. The second has a microfluidic circuit for the production of NaYF4 fluorescent nanocrystals specially used as markers in images of biologic systems.

Micro-encapsulation of heart explant-derived stem cells (EDCs) within protective nanoporous gel (NPG) cocoons improves cardiac function and long-term retention of transplanted cells after ischemic injury by limiting detachment induced cell death and vascular clearance of intramyocardial injected cells. Although cocooned EDCs boost cardiac function, the fundamental mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of altering cocoon stiffness and size on human EDC mediated repair of damaged myocardium using an immunodeficient mouse model of ischemic cardiomyopathy. First, we found that increasing cocoon stiffness by altering NPG content boosted cell viability and migration; effectively forcing cocooned cells to adopt a migratory, invasive phenotype. Although cocooning improved retention of transplanted cells, increasing cocoon stiffness had no additional effects on long-term engraftment despite markedly improving cardiac function and fibrosis after myocardial infarction. Given increased cocoon stiffness boosted the production and microRNA cargo within EDC nanovesicles, the observed benefits in post-ischemic function are likely dependent more on paracrine production of transplanted cells rather than simply increasing the number of cells retained. The effect of cocoon diameter on EDC phenotype and cell mediated repair of ischemic myocardium was evaluated using microfluidic-based cocooning enabling deterministic encapsulation within defined cocoon size and intracapsular cell number while maintaining a fixed cocoon stiffness. Increased cocoon size enhanced post-ischemic cardiac function by reducing clearance of transplanted cells and increased paracrine stimulation of endogenous repair. The latter being attributable to microfluidic cocooning closely following the expected Poisson distribution with smaller cocoons having a greater proportion of single cells while larger cocoons contained greater proportions of multicellular aggregates which enhanced cell-cell interactions to increase the amount and breadth of cytokines/nanoparticles delivered to injured myocardium. In conclusion, altering the biophysical properties of NPG surrounding cocooned cells provides a straightforward means of boosting the regenerative potential of heart EDCs for repair of injured myocardium.