A three dimensional thermoplastic microfluidic chip for robust cell capture and high resolution imaging

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Standard cell analysis protocols are often time-consuming and require significant sample volumes.
• Existing microfluidic devices may lack the robustness or versatility for complex diagnostic assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, robust microfluidic chip with integrated 3D micro-chambers for efficient cell capture and analysis.
• To demonstrate the chip's capability in performing complex biological protocols, such as Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH), with reduced time and resources.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microfluidic chip using hot-embossing of cyclo olefin copolymer.
• Integration of 3D micro-chambers designed to create flow velocity contrasts for selective cell immobilization.
• Implementation and validation of immuno-fluorescence labeling and FISH analysis on cancer cell lines and patient samples.

Main Results:

• The chip design enables selective cell capture by utilizing shear stress in narrow channels and low velocity in 3D chambers.
• The 3D structures protect captured cells from shear stress, even at high flow rates.
• Successful application of FISH analysis on the chip, demonstrating reduced time and computational requirements compared to traditional methods.

Conclusions:

• The developed microfluidic chip offers a low-cost, robust, and versatile platform for cell capture and analysis.
• The chip effectively simplifies and accelerates complex diagnostic protocols like FISH.
• This technology holds significant potential for advancing medical diagnostics and biological research.