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OPTIMIZATION OF A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR DIFFUSION-BASED EXTRACTION OF DMSO FROM A CELL SUSPENSION
K K Fleming Glass1, E K Longmire, A Hubel
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, 1100 Mechanical Engineering, 111 Church Street, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer
|November 4, 2009
Summary
This study optimized a microfluidic device for efficient dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) removal from cryopreserved cells. The device achieves 95% DMSO extraction, crucial for cell viability in cryopreservation.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cryopreservation requires effective removal of cryoprotective agents like dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO).
- Traditional DMSO removal methods can be slow and may impact cell viability.
- Microfluidic devices offer potential for precise and efficient cell processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of a two-stream microfluidic device for DMSO extraction from cell suspensions.
- To determine optimal device geometry and operating conditions for efficient DMSO removal.
- To analyze the impact of various parameters on DMSO extraction efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a two-stream microfluidic device with parallel flowing streams.
- Employed the Fleming et al. model to analyze mass transfer and predict performance.
- Simulated DMSO diffusion from a cell suspension stream into a wash stream.
- Analyzed effects of Peclet number, flow rate ratio, and cell concentration.
Main Results:
- Identified optimal geometric and operating conditions for 95% DMSO removal.
- Demonstrated effective DMSO extraction at flow rates up to 2.5 ml/min.
- Quantified the influence of Peclet number, flow rate fraction, and cell volume fraction on extraction efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The two-stream microfluidic device is a viable technology for efficient DMSO extraction.
- The study provides a framework for optimizing microfluidic devices for cryoprotectant removal.
- The findings have implications for improving cell cryopreservation protocols and other applications involving substance extraction.
