Arwa Fraiwan | Case Western Reserve University (original) (raw)

Papers by Arwa Fraiwan

Research paper thumbnail of STEM Education in Jordan Applicable to Developing Future Geophysicists: An Example Combining Electrical Engineering and Medical Research

Students in developing countries interested in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering... more Students in developing countries interested in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering & math) often choose majors that will improve their job opportunities in their home country when they graduate, e.g. engineering or medicine. Geoscience might be chosen as a sub-discipline of civil engineering, but rarely as a primary major unless there are local economic natural resources. The Institute of International

Research paper thumbnail of Point-of-Care Microchip Electrophoresis Test for Glycosylated Hemoglobin

2022 IEEE Healthcare Innovations and Point of Care Technologies (HI-POCT)

Diabetes is responsible for 4.6 million deaths worldwide each year, and the prevalence of diabete... more Diabetes is responsible for 4.6 million deaths worldwide each year, and the prevalence of diabetes is expected to rise to 552 million by 2030. Diabetes is not only a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, but its complications also impose a large financial burden on patients and their families. Diabetes outcomes can be improved by early detection and monitoring. However, accurate diabetes diagnosis and monitoring remain a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Here, we present a new microchip electrophoresis approach and point-of-care (POC) technology platform to feasibly detect and quantify glycosylated hemoglobin.Clinical Relevance—We present a novel microchip electrophoresis point-of-care test for diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes.

Research paper thumbnail of Micro-/Nano-Structured Anodes for Enhanced Performance of Micro-Sized Microbial Fuel Cells

2014 Solid-State, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop Technical Digest, 2014

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining acceptance as a future alternative green energy technolog... more Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining acceptance as a future alternative green energy technology and energy-efficient wastewater treatment method. Despite their vast potential, however, our ability to harness the potential of MFC technology lags from its low power density limiting its practical applications. Among a number of factors that can affect the MFC's performance, the anode material has the greatest impact on the performance by determining the actual accessible surface area for bacteria to attach and affecting the interfacial electron transfer resistance. In this work, microbial electricity generations on six micro/nanostructured anodes in micro-sized MFCs (57 μL) have been investigated by probing the behavior and physiology of microbial biofilm and their interaction with each anode at a new level of detail and efficiency. Six anodes are carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanofiber (CNF), gold/PCL microfiber (GPM), gold/PCL nanofiber (GPN), planar gold (PG), and conventional carbon paper (CP).

Research paper thumbnail of A Novel Approach for Glycosylated Hemoglobin Testing Using Microchip Affinity Electrophoresis

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Paper-based microbial fuel cells

Research paper thumbnail of Origami Paper-Based Microbial Fuel Cells for Disposalble Biosensors

In this work, we created a stackable and integratable two-chambered paper-based microbial fuel ce... more In this work, we created a stackable and integratable two-chambered paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) for potentially powering on-chip paper-based biosensors. By applying origami techniques, four batteries were connected in series to obtain an open-circuit voltage (1.6V) and a stable output current (4 μA). The bacterial cells flowed through patterned fluidic pathways within the paper matrix, both vertically and horizontally, reaching each of the four batteries and filling the reservoir of each battery. This work will represent the fusion of the art of origami and paper-based MFC technology, which could provide a paradigm shift for the architecture and design of paper-based batteries.

Research paper thumbnail of A low-cost, mass-producible point-of-care platform for diagnosing hemoglobin disorders

2017 IEEE Healthcare Innovations and Point of Care Technologies (HI-POCT), 2017

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited hemoglobin disorder, which can be fatal if l... more Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited hemoglobin disorder, which can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. Geographically, the most SCD-prevalent regions have the lowest gross domestic product (GDP) and are therefore unable to implement costly, centralized SCD screening programs. In these regions, the early mortality is 50%–90% among children born with sickle cell anemia [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), who passed a resolution naming SCD as a global public health problem in 2006 [2], 70% of these early mortality could be prevented by implementing low-cost SCD screening followed by cost-effective treatments [3]. To address this need, we developed HemeChip, a mass-producible, low-cost, microchip version of electrophoresis, able to detect and quantify hemoglobin type(s) from whole blood at the point of care (POC). The process is fast (<10 minutes), efficient, and can be performed by minimally trained personnel.

Research paper thumbnail of Live Demonstration: HemeChip - A Portable Microchip Electrophoresis Technology for Point-of-Care Sickle Cell Disease Screening

2018 IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BioCAS), 2018

HemeChip is the first miniaturized, single-use cartridge-based microchip electrophoresis system f... more HemeChip is the first miniaturized, single-use cartridge-based microchip electrophoresis system for identifying and quantifying hemoglobin (Hb) variants from a drop of blood at the point-of-care (POC). It is estimated that 7% of world's population lives with a hemoglobin variant, and one of the most common and severe one being the recessively transmitted sickle hemoglobin which results in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). HemeChip (Fig. 1A,C) separates Hb variants on a strip of cellulose acetate (CA) paper that is housed in the HemeChip cartridge. This HemeChip cartridge is a mass-producible, single-use cartridge that maintains a controlled environment and a constant electric field (applied through the electrodes, Fig. 1B) for the Hb separation process. The cartridge also contains an in-chip blotting mechanism and an anti-fogging feature. The anti-fogging feature is essential for real-time imaging and tracking of Hb band(s) during the separation process. HemeChip is integrated with a portable reader (Fig. 1D) to detect the type(s) and fraction of hemoglobin types present in a blood sample. HemeChip technology has been designed and developed to offer a robust, user-friendly platform to detect, identify, and quantify Hb variants (responsible for SCD variants) even in a limited resource settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrogen gas sensing by metasurfaces composed of aluminum doped zinc oxide nanotubes

Optical Sensors and Sensing Congress, 2020

We demonstrate optical hydrogen sensing using metasurfaces based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZ... more We demonstrate optical hydrogen sensing using metasurfaces based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanotubes. The sensing system shows 2-13 nm of resonance wavelength shift upon exposure to hydrogen gas of concentration 0.7-4.0 % within 10 minutes.

Research paper thumbnail of Hemechip: An Automated Portable Microchip Electrophoresis Platform for Point-of-Care Sickle Cell Disease Screening

Blood, 2017

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects more than 14 million people globally, primarily in economically... more Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects more than 14 million people globally, primarily in economically disadvantaged populations. Its management requires early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment throughout the lifespan of the patient. Early diagnosis of SCD remains a challenge in the developing world due to requirements for sophisticated lab equipment and skilled personnel. American Society of Hematology with other organizations launched the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition, calling for improved patient care. In low-income countries, notably those in Sub-Saharan Africa, the mortality rate for children The compact single-use microchip of the HemeChip platform encompasses cellulose acetate paper, in which the hemoglobin separation takes place, as well as integrated stainless-steel electrodes (Fig. 1A). The HemeChip test is performed in four steps: (i) finger/heel prick equivalent amount of whole blood (diluted and lysed) is applied to the microchip (Fig. 1A); (ii) microchip is placed inside...

Research paper thumbnail of A Paper-Based Microbial Sensor Array for Rapid Screening of Electricity-Producing Bacteria

2014 Solid-State, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop Technical Digest, 2014

We demonstrate the use of paper-based test platforms for rapid characterization of electricity-ge... more We demonstrate the use of paper-based test platforms for rapid characterization of electricity-generating bacteria. The presented device contains vertically stacked anode/cathode paper chambers (or reservoirs) separated by a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and gold anode/cathode interface pads with through-holes in the center to introduce anolyte/catholyte. The paper-based sensor exploits the paper's ability to quickly wick fluid and promote bacterial attachment to the gold anode pads, resulting in instant current generation upon loading of the bacterial inoculum and catholyte. Within just 50 minutes, we successfully determined the electricity generation capacity of two known bacterial electrogens and another metabolically more voracious organism with four isogenic mutants. This paper-based microbial screening tool does not require external pumps/tubings and represents the most rapid test platform (<50 min) compared with the time needed by using traditional screening tools (up to 103 days) and even recently proposed MEMS arrays (< 2 days).

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrogen gas sensing using aluminum doped ZnO metasurfaces

Nanoscale Advances

Hydrogen (H2) sensing is crucial in a wide variety of areas, such as industrial, environmental, e... more Hydrogen (H2) sensing is crucial in a wide variety of areas, such as industrial, environmental, energy and biomedical applications. In this work, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanotubes are reported for optical hydrogen sensing.

Research paper thumbnail of Paper-based microchip electrophoresis for point-of-care hemoglobin testing

The Analyst, 2020

Nearly 7% of the world's population live with a hemoglobin variant. Hemoglobins S, C, and E are t... more Nearly 7% of the world's population live with a hemoglobin variant. Hemoglobins S, C, and E are the most common and significant hemoglobin variants worldwide. Sickle cell disease, caused by hemoglobin S, is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and in tribal populations of Central India. Hemoglobin C is common in West Africa, and hemoglobin E is common in Southeast Asia. Screening for significant hemoglobin disorders is not currently feasible in many low-income countries with the high disease burden. Lack of early diagnosis leads to preventable high morbidity and mortality in children born with hemoglobin variants in low-resource settings. Here, we describe HemeChip, the first miniaturized, paperbased, microchip electrophoresis platform for identifying the most common hemoglobin variants easily and affordably at the point-of-care in low-resource settings. HemeChip test works with a drop of blood. HemeChip system guides the user step-by-step through the test procedure with animated on-screen instructions. Hemoglobin identification and quantification is automatically performed, and hemoglobin types and percentages are displayed in an easily understandable, objective way. We show the feasibility and high accuracy of HemeChip via testing 768 subjects by clinical sites in the United States, Central India, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Validation studies include hemoglobin E testing in Bangkok, Thailand, and hemoglobin S testing in Chhattisgarh, India, and in Kano, Nigeria, where the sickle cell disease burden is the highest in the world. Tests were performed by local users, including healthcare workers and clinical laboratory personnel. Study design, methods, and results are presented according to

Research paper thumbnail of Ultrathin-film optical coating for angle-independent remote hydrogen sensing

Measurement Science and Technology

Research paper thumbnail of International Multi-Site Clinical Validation of Point-of-Care Microchip Electrophoresis Test for Hemoglobin Variant Identification

Blood

Introduction: Nearly 24% of the world's population carry hemoglobin (Hb) gene variants, with ... more Introduction: Nearly 24% of the world's population carry hemoglobin (Hb) gene variants, with the large majority of affected births occurring in low-income countries. The most prevalent structural Hb variants are the recessive β-globin gene mutations, βS or S, βC or C, and βE or E1. Hb S mutation is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and in Central India. Hb C is common in West Africa, and Hb E is common in Southeast Asia and in India. Homozygotes or compound heterozygotes with βS (e.g., Hb SS or SC) have sickle cell disease (SCD), a chronic sickling disorder associated with pain, chronic multi-organ damage, and high mortality. While Hb EE causes only a mild microcytic anemia, Hb E in combination with β-thalassemia can lead to transfusion dependent thalassemia. Though carriers are typically asymptomatic, they may pass the mutations to their offspring. Screening is needed so that these disorders can be diagnosed early and managed in a timely manner2. For example, in low-income countr...

Research paper thumbnail of Advancing Healthcare Outcomes for Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria Using Mobile Health Tools

Blood

Nigeria leads the world in the number of cases of sickle cell disease (SCD). An estimated 150,000... more Nigeria leads the world in the number of cases of sickle cell disease (SCD). An estimated 150,000 babies are born annually in Nigeria with SCD, a heredity disorder, and 70-90% die before age 5. Only a small portion of affected infants and children in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) reach adolescence. Over 650 children die per day in sub-Saharan Africa from SCD. These dismal statistics are in sharp contrast to outcomes in high-income countries (HICs) where more than 90% of SCD patients reach adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of deaths could be prevented with a low cost diagnostic and treatment plan. Meaningful preventive care and treatment cannot be implemented without a structured plan for early diagnosis and patient tracking.Early diagnosis requires improved access to parents and guardians of children with SCD, and gaining this access remains a challenge in most of SSA. In 2015, Nigeria's Kano state government, with support from foreign partners, establ...

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical Testing of Hemechip in Nigeria for Point-of-Care Screening of Sickle Cell Disease

Blood

In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly a quarter of a million babies are born with sickle cell disease (SC... more In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly a quarter of a million babies are born with sickle cell disease (SCD) each year. An estimated 50-90% of these babies die before age 5 due to lack of early diagnosis and timely treatment. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 70% of SCD related deaths are preventable with simple, cost-effective interventions, such as early screening followed by affordable and widely available treatment regimens. Here, we present the early clinical testing results of HemeChip, which is the first single-use cartridge-based microchip electrophoresis hemoglobin screening platform. HemeChip was developed by Hemex Health, Inc., based on technology licensed from Case Western Reserve University. HemeChip allows affordable, objective, quantitative screening of hemoglobin variants at the point-of-care. HemeChip works with a drop of finger or heel-prick blood and separates hemoglobin variants on a piece of cellulose acetate paper that is housed in an injection mold...

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrogen Sensing Using Thin-Film Perfect Light Absorber

Research paper thumbnail of Emerging point-of-care technologies for sickle cell disease screening and monitoring

Expert Review of Medical Devices, 2016

Cell Disease (SCD) affects 100,000 Americans and more than 14 million people globally, mostly in ... more Cell Disease (SCD) affects 100,000 Americans and more than 14 million people globally, mostly in economically disadvantaged populations, requires early diagnosis after birth and constant monitoring throughout the life-span of the patient.

Research paper thumbnail of A disposable power source in resource-limited environments: A paper-based biobattery generating electricity from wastewater

Biosensors & bioelectronics, Jan 15, 2016

We report a novel paper-based biobattery which generates power from microorganism-containing liqu... more We report a novel paper-based biobattery which generates power from microorganism-containing liquid derived from renewable and sustainable wastewater which is readily accessible in the local environment. The device fuses the art of origami and the technology of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and has the potential to shift the paradigm for flexible and stackable paper-based batteries by enabling exceptional electrical characteristics and functionalities. 3D, modular, and retractable battery stack is created from (i) 2D paper sheets through high degrees of folding and (ii) multifunctional layers sandwiched for MFC device configuration. The stack is based on ninja star-shaped origami design formed by eight MFC modular blades, which is retractable from sharp shuriken (closed) to round frisbee (opened). The microorganism-containing wastewater is added into an inlet of the closed battery stack and it is transported into each MFC module through patterned fluidic pathways in the paper layers. ...

Research paper thumbnail of STEM Education in Jordan Applicable to Developing Future Geophysicists: An Example Combining Electrical Engineering and Medical Research

Students in developing countries interested in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering... more Students in developing countries interested in STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering & math) often choose majors that will improve their job opportunities in their home country when they graduate, e.g. engineering or medicine. Geoscience might be chosen as a sub-discipline of civil engineering, but rarely as a primary major unless there are local economic natural resources. The Institute of International

Research paper thumbnail of Point-of-Care Microchip Electrophoresis Test for Glycosylated Hemoglobin

2022 IEEE Healthcare Innovations and Point of Care Technologies (HI-POCT)

Diabetes is responsible for 4.6 million deaths worldwide each year, and the prevalence of diabete... more Diabetes is responsible for 4.6 million deaths worldwide each year, and the prevalence of diabetes is expected to rise to 552 million by 2030. Diabetes is not only a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, but its complications also impose a large financial burden on patients and their families. Diabetes outcomes can be improved by early detection and monitoring. However, accurate diabetes diagnosis and monitoring remain a challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Here, we present a new microchip electrophoresis approach and point-of-care (POC) technology platform to feasibly detect and quantify glycosylated hemoglobin.Clinical Relevance—We present a novel microchip electrophoresis point-of-care test for diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes.

Research paper thumbnail of Micro-/Nano-Structured Anodes for Enhanced Performance of Micro-Sized Microbial Fuel Cells

2014 Solid-State, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop Technical Digest, 2014

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining acceptance as a future alternative green energy technolog... more Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are gaining acceptance as a future alternative green energy technology and energy-efficient wastewater treatment method. Despite their vast potential, however, our ability to harness the potential of MFC technology lags from its low power density limiting its practical applications. Among a number of factors that can affect the MFC's performance, the anode material has the greatest impact on the performance by determining the actual accessible surface area for bacteria to attach and affecting the interfacial electron transfer resistance. In this work, microbial electricity generations on six micro/nanostructured anodes in micro-sized MFCs (57 μL) have been investigated by probing the behavior and physiology of microbial biofilm and their interaction with each anode at a new level of detail and efficiency. Six anodes are carbon nanotube (CNT), carbon nanofiber (CNF), gold/PCL microfiber (GPM), gold/PCL nanofiber (GPN), planar gold (PG), and conventional carbon paper (CP).

Research paper thumbnail of A Novel Approach for Glycosylated Hemoglobin Testing Using Microchip Affinity Electrophoresis

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering

Research paper thumbnail of Paper-based microbial fuel cells

Research paper thumbnail of Origami Paper-Based Microbial Fuel Cells for Disposalble Biosensors

In this work, we created a stackable and integratable two-chambered paper-based microbial fuel ce... more In this work, we created a stackable and integratable two-chambered paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) for potentially powering on-chip paper-based biosensors. By applying origami techniques, four batteries were connected in series to obtain an open-circuit voltage (1.6V) and a stable output current (4 μA). The bacterial cells flowed through patterned fluidic pathways within the paper matrix, both vertically and horizontally, reaching each of the four batteries and filling the reservoir of each battery. This work will represent the fusion of the art of origami and paper-based MFC technology, which could provide a paradigm shift for the architecture and design of paper-based batteries.

Research paper thumbnail of A low-cost, mass-producible point-of-care platform for diagnosing hemoglobin disorders

2017 IEEE Healthcare Innovations and Point of Care Technologies (HI-POCT), 2017

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited hemoglobin disorder, which can be fatal if l... more Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetically inherited hemoglobin disorder, which can be fatal if left undiagnosed and untreated. Geographically, the most SCD-prevalent regions have the lowest gross domestic product (GDP) and are therefore unable to implement costly, centralized SCD screening programs. In these regions, the early mortality is 50%–90% among children born with sickle cell anemia [1]. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), who passed a resolution naming SCD as a global public health problem in 2006 [2], 70% of these early mortality could be prevented by implementing low-cost SCD screening followed by cost-effective treatments [3]. To address this need, we developed HemeChip, a mass-producible, low-cost, microchip version of electrophoresis, able to detect and quantify hemoglobin type(s) from whole blood at the point of care (POC). The process is fast (<10 minutes), efficient, and can be performed by minimally trained personnel.

Research paper thumbnail of Live Demonstration: HemeChip - A Portable Microchip Electrophoresis Technology for Point-of-Care Sickle Cell Disease Screening

2018 IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BioCAS), 2018

HemeChip is the first miniaturized, single-use cartridge-based microchip electrophoresis system f... more HemeChip is the first miniaturized, single-use cartridge-based microchip electrophoresis system for identifying and quantifying hemoglobin (Hb) variants from a drop of blood at the point-of-care (POC). It is estimated that 7% of world's population lives with a hemoglobin variant, and one of the most common and severe one being the recessively transmitted sickle hemoglobin which results in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). HemeChip (Fig. 1A,C) separates Hb variants on a strip of cellulose acetate (CA) paper that is housed in the HemeChip cartridge. This HemeChip cartridge is a mass-producible, single-use cartridge that maintains a controlled environment and a constant electric field (applied through the electrodes, Fig. 1B) for the Hb separation process. The cartridge also contains an in-chip blotting mechanism and an anti-fogging feature. The anti-fogging feature is essential for real-time imaging and tracking of Hb band(s) during the separation process. HemeChip is integrated with a portable reader (Fig. 1D) to detect the type(s) and fraction of hemoglobin types present in a blood sample. HemeChip technology has been designed and developed to offer a robust, user-friendly platform to detect, identify, and quantify Hb variants (responsible for SCD variants) even in a limited resource settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrogen gas sensing by metasurfaces composed of aluminum doped zinc oxide nanotubes

Optical Sensors and Sensing Congress, 2020

We demonstrate optical hydrogen sensing using metasurfaces based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZ... more We demonstrate optical hydrogen sensing using metasurfaces based on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanotubes. The sensing system shows 2-13 nm of resonance wavelength shift upon exposure to hydrogen gas of concentration 0.7-4.0 % within 10 minutes.

Research paper thumbnail of Hemechip: An Automated Portable Microchip Electrophoresis Platform for Point-of-Care Sickle Cell Disease Screening

Blood, 2017

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects more than 14 million people globally, primarily in economically... more Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects more than 14 million people globally, primarily in economically disadvantaged populations. Its management requires early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment throughout the lifespan of the patient. Early diagnosis of SCD remains a challenge in the developing world due to requirements for sophisticated lab equipment and skilled personnel. American Society of Hematology with other organizations launched the Sickle Cell Disease Coalition, calling for improved patient care. In low-income countries, notably those in Sub-Saharan Africa, the mortality rate for children The compact single-use microchip of the HemeChip platform encompasses cellulose acetate paper, in which the hemoglobin separation takes place, as well as integrated stainless-steel electrodes (Fig. 1A). The HemeChip test is performed in four steps: (i) finger/heel prick equivalent amount of whole blood (diluted and lysed) is applied to the microchip (Fig. 1A); (ii) microchip is placed inside...

Research paper thumbnail of A Paper-Based Microbial Sensor Array for Rapid Screening of Electricity-Producing Bacteria

2014 Solid-State, Actuators, and Microsystems Workshop Technical Digest, 2014

We demonstrate the use of paper-based test platforms for rapid characterization of electricity-ge... more We demonstrate the use of paper-based test platforms for rapid characterization of electricity-generating bacteria. The presented device contains vertically stacked anode/cathode paper chambers (or reservoirs) separated by a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and gold anode/cathode interface pads with through-holes in the center to introduce anolyte/catholyte. The paper-based sensor exploits the paper's ability to quickly wick fluid and promote bacterial attachment to the gold anode pads, resulting in instant current generation upon loading of the bacterial inoculum and catholyte. Within just 50 minutes, we successfully determined the electricity generation capacity of two known bacterial electrogens and another metabolically more voracious organism with four isogenic mutants. This paper-based microbial screening tool does not require external pumps/tubings and represents the most rapid test platform (<50 min) compared with the time needed by using traditional screening tools (up to 103 days) and even recently proposed MEMS arrays (< 2 days).

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrogen gas sensing using aluminum doped ZnO metasurfaces

Nanoscale Advances

Hydrogen (H2) sensing is crucial in a wide variety of areas, such as industrial, environmental, e... more Hydrogen (H2) sensing is crucial in a wide variety of areas, such as industrial, environmental, energy and biomedical applications. In this work, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanotubes are reported for optical hydrogen sensing.

Research paper thumbnail of Paper-based microchip electrophoresis for point-of-care hemoglobin testing

The Analyst, 2020

Nearly 7% of the world's population live with a hemoglobin variant. Hemoglobins S, C, and E are t... more Nearly 7% of the world's population live with a hemoglobin variant. Hemoglobins S, C, and E are the most common and significant hemoglobin variants worldwide. Sickle cell disease, caused by hemoglobin S, is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and in tribal populations of Central India. Hemoglobin C is common in West Africa, and hemoglobin E is common in Southeast Asia. Screening for significant hemoglobin disorders is not currently feasible in many low-income countries with the high disease burden. Lack of early diagnosis leads to preventable high morbidity and mortality in children born with hemoglobin variants in low-resource settings. Here, we describe HemeChip, the first miniaturized, paperbased, microchip electrophoresis platform for identifying the most common hemoglobin variants easily and affordably at the point-of-care in low-resource settings. HemeChip test works with a drop of blood. HemeChip system guides the user step-by-step through the test procedure with animated on-screen instructions. Hemoglobin identification and quantification is automatically performed, and hemoglobin types and percentages are displayed in an easily understandable, objective way. We show the feasibility and high accuracy of HemeChip via testing 768 subjects by clinical sites in the United States, Central India, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia. Validation studies include hemoglobin E testing in Bangkok, Thailand, and hemoglobin S testing in Chhattisgarh, India, and in Kano, Nigeria, where the sickle cell disease burden is the highest in the world. Tests were performed by local users, including healthcare workers and clinical laboratory personnel. Study design, methods, and results are presented according to

Research paper thumbnail of Ultrathin-film optical coating for angle-independent remote hydrogen sensing

Measurement Science and Technology

Research paper thumbnail of International Multi-Site Clinical Validation of Point-of-Care Microchip Electrophoresis Test for Hemoglobin Variant Identification

Blood

Introduction: Nearly 24% of the world's population carry hemoglobin (Hb) gene variants, with ... more Introduction: Nearly 24% of the world's population carry hemoglobin (Hb) gene variants, with the large majority of affected births occurring in low-income countries. The most prevalent structural Hb variants are the recessive β-globin gene mutations, βS or S, βC or C, and βE or E1. Hb S mutation is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and in Central India. Hb C is common in West Africa, and Hb E is common in Southeast Asia and in India. Homozygotes or compound heterozygotes with βS (e.g., Hb SS or SC) have sickle cell disease (SCD), a chronic sickling disorder associated with pain, chronic multi-organ damage, and high mortality. While Hb EE causes only a mild microcytic anemia, Hb E in combination with β-thalassemia can lead to transfusion dependent thalassemia. Though carriers are typically asymptomatic, they may pass the mutations to their offspring. Screening is needed so that these disorders can be diagnosed early and managed in a timely manner2. For example, in low-income countr...

Research paper thumbnail of Advancing Healthcare Outcomes for Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria Using Mobile Health Tools

Blood

Nigeria leads the world in the number of cases of sickle cell disease (SCD). An estimated 150,000... more Nigeria leads the world in the number of cases of sickle cell disease (SCD). An estimated 150,000 babies are born annually in Nigeria with SCD, a heredity disorder, and 70-90% die before age 5. Only a small portion of affected infants and children in sub Saharan Africa (SSA) reach adolescence. Over 650 children die per day in sub-Saharan Africa from SCD. These dismal statistics are in sharp contrast to outcomes in high-income countries (HICs) where more than 90% of SCD patients reach adulthood. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of deaths could be prevented with a low cost diagnostic and treatment plan. Meaningful preventive care and treatment cannot be implemented without a structured plan for early diagnosis and patient tracking.Early diagnosis requires improved access to parents and guardians of children with SCD, and gaining this access remains a challenge in most of SSA. In 2015, Nigeria's Kano state government, with support from foreign partners, establ...

Research paper thumbnail of Clinical Testing of Hemechip in Nigeria for Point-of-Care Screening of Sickle Cell Disease

Blood

In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly a quarter of a million babies are born with sickle cell disease (SC... more In sub-Saharan Africa, nearly a quarter of a million babies are born with sickle cell disease (SCD) each year. An estimated 50-90% of these babies die before age 5 due to lack of early diagnosis and timely treatment. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 70% of SCD related deaths are preventable with simple, cost-effective interventions, such as early screening followed by affordable and widely available treatment regimens. Here, we present the early clinical testing results of HemeChip, which is the first single-use cartridge-based microchip electrophoresis hemoglobin screening platform. HemeChip was developed by Hemex Health, Inc., based on technology licensed from Case Western Reserve University. HemeChip allows affordable, objective, quantitative screening of hemoglobin variants at the point-of-care. HemeChip works with a drop of finger or heel-prick blood and separates hemoglobin variants on a piece of cellulose acetate paper that is housed in an injection mold...

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrogen Sensing Using Thin-Film Perfect Light Absorber

Research paper thumbnail of Emerging point-of-care technologies for sickle cell disease screening and monitoring

Expert Review of Medical Devices, 2016

Cell Disease (SCD) affects 100,000 Americans and more than 14 million people globally, mostly in ... more Cell Disease (SCD) affects 100,000 Americans and more than 14 million people globally, mostly in economically disadvantaged populations, requires early diagnosis after birth and constant monitoring throughout the life-span of the patient.

Research paper thumbnail of A disposable power source in resource-limited environments: A paper-based biobattery generating electricity from wastewater

Biosensors & bioelectronics, Jan 15, 2016

We report a novel paper-based biobattery which generates power from microorganism-containing liqu... more We report a novel paper-based biobattery which generates power from microorganism-containing liquid derived from renewable and sustainable wastewater which is readily accessible in the local environment. The device fuses the art of origami and the technology of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and has the potential to shift the paradigm for flexible and stackable paper-based batteries by enabling exceptional electrical characteristics and functionalities. 3D, modular, and retractable battery stack is created from (i) 2D paper sheets through high degrees of folding and (ii) multifunctional layers sandwiched for MFC device configuration. The stack is based on ninja star-shaped origami design formed by eight MFC modular blades, which is retractable from sharp shuriken (closed) to round frisbee (opened). The microorganism-containing wastewater is added into an inlet of the closed battery stack and it is transported into each MFC module through patterned fluidic pathways in the paper layers. ...