In Situ Monitored Vortex Fluidic-Mediated Protein Refolding/Unfolding Using an Aggregation-Induced Emission Bioprobe

Protein folding is important for protein homeostasis/proteostasis in the human body. We have established the ability to manipulate protein unfolding/refolding for β-lactoglobulin using the induced mechanical energy in the thin film microfluidic vortex fluidic device (VFD) with monitoring as such using an aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen), TPE-MI. When denaturant (guanidine hydrochloride) is present with β-lactoglobulin, the VFD accelerates the denaturation reaction in a controlled way. Conversely, rapid renaturation of the unfolded protein occurs in the VFD in the absence of the denaturant. The novel TPE-MI reacts with exposed cysteine thiol when the protein unfolds, as established with an increase in fluorescence intensity. TPE-MI provides an easy and accurate way to monitor the protein folding, with comparable results established using conventional circular dichroism. The controlled VFD-mediated protein folding coupled with in situ bioprobe AIEgen monitoring is a viable methodology for studying the denaturing of proteins.

Fluid Dynamics of a Bistable Diverter Under Ultrasonic Excitation—Part II: Flow Visualization and Fundamental Mechanisms

The switching mechanism and underlying flow physics of an actively controlled fluidic device are investigated using both large eddy simulation (LES) and particle imaging velocimetry (PIV). The fluidic device considered herein uses acoustic excitation of inherent flow instabilities to control the movement of the jet. Acoustic excitation at the preferred frequency is shown to yield high saturation amplitudes resulting in the formation of large vortical structures that do not undergo pairing. Basic flow features including the shear layer instabilities are further examined to explain why the excitation mode that triggers the switching process changes from a shear layer-based mode (Stθ=0.012) to a jet orifice mode (Sth=0.25) as the Reynolds number increases.

Azide–alkyne cycloadditions in a vortex fluidic device: enhanced “on water” effects and catalysis in flow

Azide–alkyne cycloadditions in a Vortex Fluidic Device benefit from enhanced “on water” effects and copper jet feeds provide a convenient method of highly active catalyst delivery for flow chemistry.

Biofouling-resistant tubular fluidic devices with magneto-responsive dynamic walls

A tubular fluidic device with dynamic inner walls significantly reduces the biofouling of lab-on-a-chip systems.

High shear spheroidal topological fluid flow induced coating of polystyrene beads with C60 spicules

The manipulation of topological fluid flow to fabricate spicular C60 coated polystyrene beads under shear stress in the vortex fluidic device (VFD).