Measurements of scattered light on a microchip flow cytometer with integrated polymer based optical elements

Area of Science:

• Biophotonics and Microfluidics
• Integrated Optics and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems

Background:

• Flow cytometry is a crucial technique for analyzing microparticles like cells and bacteria.
• Existing flow cytometry systems often involve complex fabrication and integration processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an innovative microsystem for flow cytometry by integrating optical elements with microfluidic channels.
• To demonstrate a simplified fabrication process for a complete microchip flow cytometer.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microchip flow cytometer using a single layer of SU-8 polymer via standard photolithography.
• Integration of waveguides, lenses, fiber-to-waveguide couplers, and microfluidic channels on a single chip.
• Simultaneous measurement of forward scattering, large angle scattering, and extinction signals for polystyrene beads.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of a complete microchip flow cytometer with integrated optics and microfluidics in a single photolithography step.
• Demonstrated simultaneous measurement of forward scattered light and incident light extinction in a microsystem, a novel achievement.
• Achieved a simplified fabrication and packaging process completed within one day.

Conclusions:

• The developed microsystem offers a cost-effective and efficient platform for flow cytometry.
• This integrated microchip flow cytometer is suitable for analyzing various particles and cells.
• The system's design allows for easy integration with other microfluidic components for expanded functionality.