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Microfluidic arrays of fluid-fluid diffusional contacts as detection elements and combinatorial tools
R F Ismagilov1, J M Ng, P J Kenis
1Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Analytical Chemistry
|November 28, 2001
Summary
This study introduces novel 3D microfluidic systems for parallel chemical and biochemical analysis. These systems enable efficient investigation of interactions using immobilized reagents and optical detection methods.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Investigating multiple chemical or biochemical interactions often requires complex setups.
- Parallel analysis can significantly increase throughput and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe novel three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic systems for parallel investigation of chemical and biochemical interactions.
- To present a fabrication and operation method for these microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D microfluidic systems by crossing two layers of microchannels at right angles.
- Utilizing polycarbonate membranes with controlled pore sizes for channel separation.
- Employing both flowing and stationary reagent modes, including immobilized reagents in gels.
- Detection of interactions via fluorescence and absorbance monitoring.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a system capable of parallel analysis of multiple interactions.
- Showcased the use of membranes and microwells to control mass transport between channels.
- Confirmed the ability to detect interactions through optical measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed all-organic microfluidic systems are simple to fabricate and operate.
- These systems offer potential applications in portable microanalytical devices.
- The technology can serve as a valuable tool in combinatorial research and high-throughput screening.