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Practical fabrication of microfluidic platforms for live-cell microscopy
Daniel Lorusso1,2,3, Hristo N Nikolov4, Jaques S Milner4
1Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. dloruss@uwo.ca.
Biomedical Microdevices
|August 16, 2016
Summary
This study presents an easy method for creating leak-proof polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices for live-cell microscopy using microwave curing and standard lab equipment. This technique makes advanced live-cell microfluidics accessible to a broader scientific audience.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microfluidic devices are valuable tools for live-cell imaging and analysis.
- Fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices often requires specialized equipment and expertise.
- Compatibility with live-cell microscopy necessitates optically transparent and leak-proof designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, accessible fabrication technique for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic devices.
- To ensure the produced devices are leak-proof and compatible with live-cell microscopy.
- To enable scientists outside of core microdevice communities to utilize live-cell microfluidics.
Main Methods:
- Spin-coating thin PDMS base membranes onto glass-bottom dishes.
- Partial curing of PDMS membranes using microwave irradiation.
- Replica molding for PDMS chip fabrication and microwave-assisted sealing to the base membrane.
- Fibronectin pre-treatment to enhance cell attachment.
- Integration with programmable pumps for precise fluid control.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of leak-proof PDMS microfluidic devices.
- Rapid device production (within hours) after initial mold generation.
- Demonstrated compatibility with inverted light microscopy (phase-contrast, fluorescence).
- Improved cell attachment observed with fibronectin pre-treatment.
- Precise control of fluid flow rates achieved.
Conclusions:
- The described technique offers a user-friendly approach to fabricating PDMS microfluidic devices for live-cell microscopy.
- Utilizes standard laboratory equipment and microwave irradiation, lowering the barrier to entry.
- Facilitates broader adoption of live-cell microfluidics in research settings.
- The thin, transparent nature of the devices is ideal for high-resolution live-cell imaging.
