Novel Isolating Approaches to Circulating Tumor Cell Enrichment Based on Microfluidics: A Review.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), derived from the primary tumor and carrying genetic information, contribute significantly to the process of tumor metastasis. The analysis and detection of CTCs can be used to assess the prognosis and treatment response in patients with tumors, as well as to help study the metastatic mechanisms of tumors and the development of new drugs. Since CTCs are very rare in the blood, it is a challenging problem to enrich CTCs efficiently. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of microfluidics-based enrichment devices for CTCs in recent years. We explore in detail the methods of enrichment based on the physical or biological properties of CTCs; among them, physical properties cover factors such as size, density, and dielectric properties, while biological properties are mainly related to tumor-specific markers on the surface of CTCs. In addition, we provide an in-depth description of the methods for enrichment of single CTCs and illustrate the importance of single CTCs for performing tumor analyses. Future research will focus on aspects such as improving the separation efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing the detection sensitivity and accuracy.

A bionic mimosa soft robot based on a multi-responsive PNIPAM-PEGDA hydrogel composition.

Deformation plays a vital role in the survival of natural organisms. One example is that plants deform themselves to face the sun for sufficient sunlight exposure, which allows them to produce nutrients through photosynthesis. Drawing inspiration from nature, researchers have been exploring the development of 3D deformable materials. However, the traditional approach to manufacturing deformable hydrogels relies on complex technology, which limits their potential applications. In this study, we simulate the stress variations observed in the plant tissue to create a 3D structure from a 2D material. Using UV curing technology, we create a single-layer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel sheet with microchannels that exhibit distinct swelling rates when subjected to stimulation. After a two-step curing process, we produce a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyethylene glycol diacrylatedouble-layer structure that can be manipulated to change its shape by controlling the light and solvent content. Based on the double-layer structure, we fabricate a dual-response driven bionic mimosa robot that can perform a variety of functions. This soft robot can not only reversibly change its shape but also maintain a specific shape without continuous stimulation. Its capacity for reversible deformation, resulting from internal stress, presents promising application prospects in the biomedical and soft robotics domain. This study delivers an insightful framework for the development of programmable soft materials.

Recent Advances in Microrobots Powered by Multi-Physics Field for Biomedical and Environmental Applications.

Microrobots powered by multi-physics fields are becoming a hotspot for micro-nano manufacturing. Due to the small size of microrobots, they can easily enter small spaces that are difficult for ordinary robots to reach and perform a variety of special tasks. This gives microrobots a broad application prospect in many fields. This paper describes the materials, structures, and driving principles of microrobots in detail and analyzes the advantages and limitations of their driving methods in depth. In addition, the paper discusses the detailed categorization of the action forms of microrobots and explores their diversified motion modes and their applicable scenarios. Finally, the article highlights the wide range of applications of microrobots in the fields of biomedicine and environmental protection, emphasizing their great potential for solving real-world problems and advancing scientific progress.