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Reusable, polyethylene glycol-structured microfluidic channel for particle immunoassays
1Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721-0038, USA. heehan@ucdavis.edu
Journal of Biological Engineering
|April 30, 2009
Summary
This study presents a novel microfluidic channel made entirely from polyethylene glycol (PEG), demonstrating superior reusability for immunoassays compared to polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices. The PEG channels are reusable up to ten times, offering a promising alternative for lab-on-a-chip applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Microfluidics Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microfluidic devices are crucial for various biological and chemical analyses.
- Reusability and protein fouling are significant challenges in microfluidic assay development.
- Current microfluidic materials like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have limitations in reusability and non-specific protein adsorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate a novel microfluidic channel made entirely from polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- To assess the reusability of PEG microfluidic devices in particle immunoassays and for passive protein fouling.
- To compare the performance of PEG devices with traditional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of microfluidic channels entirely from polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Testing reusability in particle immunoassays and passive protein fouling experiments at high protein concentrations (1 mg/ml).
- Contact angle analysis to determine surface properties influencing reusability.
Main Results:
- PEG microfluidic devices demonstrated reusability up to ten times.
- Oxygen-plasma-treated PDMS devices were reusable up to four times, while untreated PDMS was not reusable.
- Liquid delivery was spontaneous via capillary action, eliminating the need for complex bonding.
- A water contact angle below approximately 60 degrees was identified as crucial for microchannel reusability.
Conclusions:
- All-PEG microfluidic channels offer superior reusability compared to PDMS devices for immunoassays and protein fouling applications.
- The inherent properties of PEG eliminate the need for surface coatings or complex fabrication steps, simplifying device use.
- Surface wettability, indicated by contact angle, is a critical factor for achieving reusable microfluidic devices in biological assays.
