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Controlling Flow Speeds of Microtubule-Based 3D Active Fluids Using Temperature
Published on: November 26, 2019
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Flow manipulation and cell immobilization for biochemical applications using thermally responsive fluids.
Anil Haraksingh Thilsted1, Vahid Bazargan, Nina Piggott
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Biomicrofluidics
|November 29, 2013
Summary
This study presents a microfluidic method using microheaters to immobilize single cells within a hydrogel. This technique enables precise fluid exchange for in situ biochemical analysis, demonstrated by fluorescently labeling yeast DNA.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Single cell analysis requires precise control over cellular environment.
- Microfluidic devices offer miniaturized platforms for biological studies.
- Controlling fluid exchange around immobilized cells is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for single cell immobilization and fluid exchange in microfluidics.
- To demonstrate the utility of this method for in situ biochemical assays.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microheaters to induce localized heating and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) phase transition.
- Created a hydrogel for channel blocking and single cell immobilization.
- Activated heaters in sets to redirect flow and exchange surrounding fluid.
- Immobilized a yeast cell and introduced 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) stain.
Main Results:
- Successfully immobilized a single yeast cell using a temperature-responsive hydrogel.
- Demonstrated controlled fluid exchange around the immobilized cell via flow redirection.
- Achieved in situ fluorescent labeling of yeast DNA using DAPI, confirming successful biochemistry.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidic method enables effective single cell immobilization and controlled fluid exchange.
- This technique facilitates in situ biochemical analysis of single cells.
- The approach holds potential for advanced cell-based assays and diagnostics.
