Implementing standardized diversity, equity, and inclusion approaches within scientific communities.

Within the global scientific community, there are disparate approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices, leading to inequalities that hinder progress. Here, we frame this problem through historical perspectives in the global north and propose a DEI framework adaptable by institutions regardless of location, improving the academic environment for researchers globally.

Oil-Free Acoustofluidic Droplet Generation for Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Culture.

We present an easy-to-assemble microfluidic system for synthesizing cell-loaded dextran/alginate (DEX/ALG) hydrogel spheres using an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) for templated fabrication of multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs). An audio speaker driven by an amplified output of a waveform generator or smartphone provides acoustic modulation to drive the breakup of an ATPS into MTS template droplets within microcapillary fluidic devices. We apply extensions of Plateau-Rayleigh theory to help define the flow and frequency parameter space necessary for acoustofluidic ATPS droplet formation in these devices. This method provides a simple droplet microfluidic approach using off-the-shelf acoustic components for quickly initiating MTSs and subsequent 3D cell culture.