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Microfluidic flow-cell with passive flow control for microscopy applications.

Nicholas A W Bell1, Justin E Molloy1

  • 1Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom.

Plos One
|December 15, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

We developed a simple, low-cost method to create transparent flow cells for microscopy. This pump-free system uses capillary action for precise fluid control and minimal sample volume, ideal for single-molecule studies.

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Area of Science:

  • Biophysics
  • Microfluidics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Microfluidic devices are crucial for biological research, but often require complex fabrication.
  • Existing flow cells can be expensive and demand specialized equipment.
  • Precise control of small fluid volumes is essential for sensitive experiments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a fast, inexpensive, and robust technique for fabricating optically transparent flow cells.
  • To develop a pump-free flow control system utilizing gravity and capillary action.
  • To enable microfluidic experiments with minimal sample volume and dead volume.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication using layers of glass, patterned adhesive tape, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS).
  • Creation of planar devices with low chamber heights (down to 25 microm) and millimeter-scale dimensions.
  • Implementation of a gravity perfusion system with capillary action as a passive limit-valve.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated fabrication of thin, optically transparent flow cells using simple benchtop equipment.
  • Achieved pump-free flow control with controlled flow rates and sub-5 microL sample chamber size.
  • Showcased zero dead volume for sequential sample exchange.
  • Successfully applied the system in single-molecule force spectroscopy using magnetic tweezers.

Conclusions:

  • The presented method offers an accessible and cost-effective approach to microfluidic flow cell fabrication.
  • The gravity perfusion system provides reliable, pump-free fluid handling for sensitive applications.
  • This technique facilitates advanced biophysical studies, such as single-molecule force spectroscopy, without specialized infrastructure.