We present a multilayer microfluidic system having a KrF excimer laser micro-patterned thermo-responsive poly-(N-isopropyl)-acrylamide (PNIPAAm) based hydrogel layer integrated as a freestanding component that operates as a temperature-triggered cell isolation actuator for single cell assays applications. When the system is assembled, the size of the laser machined micro-through-hole (entrance diameter is 150 μm, while exit hole diameter varies from 10 to 80 μm) can be reversibly modulated as a consequence of the polymer volumetric phase transition induced by heating the device above the critical temperature of 32 °C; as a result of the polymer water loss, the shrinkage of the layer caused the hole to homogeneously shrink, thus reducing its original size to about 40% in the polymer collapsed state. This actuation mechanism was exploited to trap a cellular sample in the shrunken exit hole on the top of the hydrogel layer by applying a negative pressure across the film when the system is brought to 37 °C. Subsequently, the funneling of the trapped cell took place through the orifice when the polymer's natural relaxation at room temperature toward its initial state occurred; the functionality of the device was proved using optical microscopy to monitor MG63 cells as a model cell line during the funneling through the size-modulating structure.
On-chip single cell funneling operated by microfabricated thermo-responsive hydrogel layers / T. Santaniello, Y. Yan, A. Tocchio, F. Martello, F. Gassa, P. Webb, W. Zhao, M. Tamplenizza, C. Schulte, Y. Liu, D. Hutt, P. Milani, P. Conway, C. Lenardi. - In: JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING. - ISSN 0960-1317. - 25:7(2015), pp. 075004.1-075004.12.
Titolo: | On-chip single cell funneling operated by microfabricated thermo-responsive hydrogel layers |
Autori: | SANTANIELLO, TOMMASO (Primo) YAN, YUNSONG (Secondo) LENARDI, CRISTINA (Ultimo) |
Parole Chiave: | cells on a chip; micromachining; smart materials; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanics of Materials; Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore FIS/01 - Fisica Sperimentale Settore FIS/03 - Fisica della Materia |
Data di pubblicazione: | 2015 |
Rivista: | |
Tipologia: | Article (author) |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0960-1317/25/7/075004 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su periodico |