Keng-Shiang Huang

Optimization of Gene Transfection Condition using Taguchi Method for an Electroporation Microchip

This study has demonstrated the optimization of an electroporation (EP) system for gene transfection by using the Taguchi method. The parameters of the EP system, which could have an influence on the transecting rate, were optimized, resulting in values of 50 mum electrode gap, 80 mug/mL pEGFP-Nl concentration, 6 V pulse voltage, and 2-pulse. A larger-the-better Omega transformation was employed for better additivity. The analyzed results of interaction A times C, A times D, and C times D showed that there were strong interactions on level 3 of factors A, C, and D to each others. Using optimized EP system, the pEGFP-Nl plasmid was successfully transfected into the basal cell carcinoma cell line (BCC) with 40.36% average transecting rate.

A new method for the preparation of self-assembled phospholipid microtubes using microfluidic technology

A stable method for manipulating phospholipid microtubes was established. Based on MEMS technology, microfluidic technology, and lipid hydration, a series of phospholipid microtubes, 1 to 10 microns in diameter, were manufactured from dried phospholipid thin film in the microchannel, in an efficient manner.

Enhancement of an Electroporation System for Gene Delivery Using Electrophoresis with Planar Electrodes

We developed a new electroporation system, including a microchip and a logic circuit, and combining with the function of electrophoresis, which can site-specific enhancement of the gene concentration. We have demonstrated that the electroporation microchip could enhance and target in vitro gene transfection for cell lines. In this micro-device, the outer electrodes could provide the electrophoresis function for DNA attraction, and the inner electrodes could provide appropriate electric fields for the electroporation on the chip surface. The electrostatic force can be designed into specific regions, where the DNA plasmids are attracted to provide the region-targeting function. This study successfully demonstrates that the electrostatic force can attract DNA plasmids to the cell surface and highly enhance the gene delivery. Experimental results showed that the efficiency of gene transfection with an attracting-electric field become much higher than that without an attracting-electric field. Furthermore, the adherent cells could be manipulated in situ without detachment by this EP microchip. The system has several advantages of portable, cost-effective, high transfection rate and easy operation

A new method for temperature measurement in an infant incubator [using speed of sound]

In this study, we introduce a new measurement system to measure the temperature by using the speed of sound. This method based on the relationship between the speed of sound and temperature. Temperature was quantified by the speed of the sound. The distance between the receiver and the transmitter of ultrasound is positively associated with the resolution of the temperature. This method can provide a quick and precise monitoring for the temperature in an infant incubator.

A Novel and Efficient Immunoassay: Using Electro-Microchip, Gold Nanoparticle and Silver Enhancement

This paper reports a novel immunoassay using an electro-microchip to detect the immuno-reaction signal, a gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a label of antigen or antibody and as a catalyst for silver precipitation, and the silver enhancement reaction to magnify the detection signal. The LCR meter instrument, a new detection method for immunoassay, is used to detect the electric single in a sandwich format. The change of the resistance to corroborate immuno-reaction is detected, amplified and analyzed to construct this new immunoassay. Different sizes of the electrodes are designed to discuss the relationship between gap size and sensitivity. In addition, the specificity, sensitivity and the detection limit of the electro-immunoassay are discussed. Using electro-microchip, nanoparticle and silver enhancement provided a new immunoassay method.

A phase shift ultrasonic system for breath measurement

In this study, an ultrasonic breath measurement system based on the phase shift reconstruction principle has been developed. The phase-shift reconstruction techniques with a programmable logic device and NI LabVIEW tool were used to promote the performance of the system. The patients chest wall movement caused by breathing can be detected and the wave of the breath is clear. This approach can provide a low cost, high precision and non-contact type measurement system.

Water-soluble (MUA-coated) quantum dots : Physicochemical characterization and application

This paper described the physicochemical characterization and application of quantum dots (CdSe/ZnS, QDs) whose surface were hydrophilic modified by mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA). The stability kinetics of MUA-coated QDs (MUA-QDs) in aqueous solution was studied as a function of MUA-QDs concentration, type of light exposed, pH conditions and temperatures. The results show that the optimum concentration range of MUA-QDs is 0.5 to 1 mg/mL. We found that no obvious difference of fluorescence intensity was detected in MUA-QDs stored respectively at 4°C, 24°C and 44°C (8-hour). When they were exposed to UV light (312 nm) for 8 hr, their fluorescence intensity was shown serious decay. Moreover, the results showed that the pH of maximum stability of MUA-QDs in buffer solutions was 8. Finally, MUA-QDs had been endocytosis into H9c2 cells, a permanent cell line derived from rat cardiac tissue, for cell imaging application, the results provided the benefit to apply MUA-QDs in medical areas.