scholarly journals Protocell arrays for simultaneous detection of diverse analytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Taisuke Kojima ◽  
Ge-Ah Kim ◽  
Monica P. McNerney ◽  
Shuichi Takayama ◽  
...  

AbstractSimultaneous detection of multiple analytes from a single sample (multiplexing), particularly when done at the point of need, can guide complex decision-making without increasing the required sample volume or cost per test. Despite recent advances, multiplexed analyte sensing still typically faces the critical limitation of measuring only one type of molecule (e.g., small molecules or nucleic acids) per assay platform. Here, we address this bottleneck with a customizable platform that integrates cell-free expression (CFE) with a polymer-based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), producing membrane-less protocells containing transcription and translation machinery used for detection. We show that multiple protocells, each performing a distinct sensing reaction, can be arrayed in the same microwell to detect chemically diverse targets from the same sample. Furthermore, these protocell arrays are compatible with human biofluids, maintain function after lyophilization and rehydration, and can produce visually interpretable readouts, illustrating this platform’s potential as a minimal-equipment, field-deployable, multi-analyte detection tool.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Taisuke Kojima ◽  
Ge-Ah Kim ◽  
Monica P. McNerney ◽  
Shuichi Takayama ◽  
...  

AbstractSimultaneous detection of multiple analytes from a single sample (multiplexing), particularly when at the point of need, can guide complex decision-making without increasing the required sample volume or cost per test. Despite recent advances, multiplexing still typically faces the critical limitation of measuring only one type of molecule per assay platform – for example, only small molecules or only nucleic acids. In this work, we address this bottleneck with a customizable platform that integrates cell-free expression (CFE) with a polymer-based aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) to produce membrane-less “protocells” containing transcription and translation machinery used for analyte detection. Multiple protocells are arrayed in microwells where each protocell droplet performs distinct reactions to detect chemically diverse targets including small molecules, minerals, and nucleic acid sequences, all from the same sample. We demonstrate that these protocell arrays can measure analytes in a human biofluid matrix, maintain function after lyophilization and rehydration, and produce visually interpretable readouts, illustrating its potential for application as a minimal-equipment, field-deployable, multi-analyte detection tool.


1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. Szetela

Steady-state models are presented to describe the wastewater treatment process in two activated sludge systems. One of these makes use of a single complete-mix reactor; the other one involves two complete-mix reactors arranged in series. The in-series system is equivalent to what is known as the “two-phase” activated sludge, a concept which is now being launched throughout Poland in conjunction with the PROMLECZ technology under implementation. Analysis of the mathematical models has revealed the following: (1) treatment efficiency, excess sludge production, energy consumption, and the degree of sludge stabilization are identical in the two systems; (2) there exists a technological equivalence of “two-phase” sludge with “single-phase” sludge; (3) the “two-phase” system has no technological advantage over the “single-phase” system.


1985 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 1642-1647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Štefan Baláž ◽  
Anton Kuchár ◽  
Ernest Šturdík ◽  
Michal Rosenberg ◽  
Ladislav Štibrányi ◽  
...  

The distribution kinetics of 35 2-furylethylene derivatives in two-phase system 1-octanol-water was investigated. The transport rate parameters in direction water-1-octanol (l1) and backwards (l2) are partition coefficient P = l1/l2 dependent according to equations l1 = logP - log(βP + 1) + const., l2 = -log(βP + 1) + const., const. = -5.600, β = 0.261. Importance of this finding for assesment of distribution of compounds under investigation in biosystems and also the suitability of the presented method for determination of partition coefficients are discussed.


Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Williams ◽  
Samantha Hartley ◽  
Peter Taylor

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a well-evidenced relapse-prevention intervention for depression with a growing evidence-base for use in other clinical populations. The UK initiatives have outlined plans for increasing access to MBCT in clinical settings, although evidence suggests that access remains limited. Given the increased popularity and access to MBCT, there may be deviations from the evidence-base and potential risks of harm. We aimed to understand what clinicians believe should be best clinical practice regarding access to, delivery of, and adaptations to MBCT. Methods We employed a two-stage Delphi methodology. First, to develop statements around best practices, we consulted five mindfulness-based experts and reviewed the literature. Second, a total of 59 statements were taken forward into three survey rating rounds. Results Twenty-nine clinicians completed round one, with 25 subsequently completing both rounds two and three. Forty-four statements reached consensus; 15 statements did not. Clinicians agreed with statements regarding sufficient preparation for accessing MBCT, adherence to the evidence-base and good practice guidelines, consideration of risks, sufficient access to training, support, and resources within services, and carefully considered adaptations. The consensus was not reached on statements which reflected a lack of evidence-base for specific clinical populations or the complex decision-making processes involved in delivering and making adaptations to MBCT. Conclusions Our findings highlight the delicate balance of maintaining a client-centred and transparent approach whilst adhering to the evidence-base in clinical decisions around access to, delivery of, and adaptations in MBCT and have important wide-reaching implications.


Author(s):  
Qiaoshu Chen ◽  
Yanwen Zhang ◽  
Hui Chen ◽  
Jianbo Liu ◽  
Juewen Liu

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document