Microfibers released by synthetic clothes have a significant negative effect on the environment. Several solutions have been proposed and evaluated for their effectiveness, but studies have failed to address the human-centered aspects of these products. In this research, the possibilities and needs from a consumer perspective for a new filtering system for domestic washing machines were examined. First, a quantitative (questionnaire) and a qualitative (interviews and observations) exploration were done to understand the desired requirements from a user perspective. Next, the acceptance of various existing solutions for microfiber catching was investigated. To verify these requirements, a new concept was designed and evaluated with a questionnaire. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. It can be concluded that the problem of microfibers is not well known, and the impact of people’s washing behavior is underestimated. Since microfibers are almost invisible, the effectiveness needed to be proven. Effectiveness is seen as the most important characteristic of a product that captures microfibers, followed by durability. Both factors ensure long-term usage. However, changing washing habits is not evident, and usage should be straightforward and user-friendly to save time, especially considering the new cleaning actions, which should be clear and unambiguous.

To study the biodistribution of new chemical and biological entities, an in vitro model of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may become an essential tool during early phases of drug discovery. Here, we present a proof-of-concept of an in-house designed three-dimensional BBB biochip designed by us. This three-dimensional dynamic BBB model consists of endothelial cells and astrocytes, co-cultured on opposing sides of a polymer-coated membrane under flow mimicking blood flow. Our results demonstrate a highly effective BBB as evidenced by (i) a 30-fold increase in transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER), (ii) a significantly higher expression of tight junction proteins, and (iii) the low FITC–dextran permeability of our technical solution as compared to a static in vitro BBB model. Importantly, our three-dimensional BBB model effectively expresses P-glycoprotein (Pg-p), a hallmark characteristic for brain-derived endothelial cells. In conclusion, we provide here a complete holistic approach and insight to the whole BBB system, potentially delivering translational significance in the clinical and pharmaceutical arenas.

Modern cell and developmental biology increasingly relies on 3D cell culture systems such as organoids. However, routine interrogation with microscopy is often hindered by tedious, non-standardized sample mounting, limiting throughput. To address these bottlenecks, we have developed a pipeline for imaging intact organoids in flow, utilizing a transparent agarose fluidic chip that enables efficient and consistent recordings with theoretically unlimited throughput. The chip, cast from a custom-designed 3D-printed mold, is coupled to a mechanically controlled syringe pump for fast and precise sample positioning. We benchmarked this setup on a commercial digitally scanned light sheet microscope with cleared glioblastoma spheroids. Spheroids of varying sizes were positioned in the field of view with micrometer-level stability, achieving a throughput of 40 one-minute recordings per hour. We further showed that sample positioning could be automated through online feedback microscopy. The optical quality of the agarose chip outperformed FEP tubing, glass channels and PDMS casts for the clearing agents used, as demonstrated by image contrast profiles of spheroids stained with a fluorescent nuclear counterstain and further emphasized by the resolution of fine microglial ramifications within cerebral organoids. The retention of image quality throughout 500 μm-sized spheroids enabled comprehensive spatial mapping of live and dead cells based on their nuclear morphology. Finally, imaging a batch of LMNA knockout vs. wildtype astrocytoma spheroids revealed significant differences in their DNA damage response, underscoring the system's sensitivity and throughput. Overall, the fluidic chip design provides a cost-effective, accessible, and efficient solution for high-throughput organoid imaging.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an immense and unforeseen increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers worldwide. Amongst other products, respirator masks are crucial to protect the users against transmission of the virus. Decontamination and reuse of the existing stock could be a solution to the shortage of new respirators. Based upon existing studies, it was found that (I) a solid quality control method is essential to test product reuse, (II) in-depth evaluation of the different parts of the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) should be considered, and (III) communication of the reuse cycle is essential to take track of the amount of reuse, as this is limited to ensure quality. The goal of this paper is two-fold. First, we identify the impact of decontamination on the different parts of the FFRs and how the quality control should be performed. Two different types of FFRs are analysed within this paper, resulting in the recommendation of combining quantitative respirator mask fit testing with a thorough sensory evaluation of decontaminated FFRs to qualify them for reuse. Secondly, the possibilities of communication of this reuse to the eventual user are mapped through in-depth reasoning.

Soft lithography has long remained the state of the art to generate the necessary micropatterning for molded microfluidic (MF) chips. Previous attempts to use printed circuit boards (PCBs) as a cheap and accessible alternative to expensive lithographed molds for the production of PDMS MF chip prototypes have shown their limitations. A more in-depth exploration of using PCBs as a mold substrate and a novel methodology of using flexible PCBs to produce highly accurate MF chips is reported here for the first time. Cross sections highlight the improved accuracy of this method, and peel testing is performed to demonstrate suitable adhesion between the glass substrate and PDMS cast. Positive cell growth viability showcases this novel method as a high-accuracy, high-accessibility, low-cost prototyping method for microfluidic chips while still maintaining all favorable properties provided by the PDMS material.