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On-Demand Fully Enclosed Superhydrophobic-Optofluidic Devices Enabled by Microstereolithography
Yu Chang1, Mengdi Bao1, Jacob Waitkus1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, New York 14623, United States.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 19, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel, fully enclosed superhydrophobic optofluidic system using microstereolithography. This innovative design minimizes optical loss and enables sensitive quantification for CRISPR therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Optofluidics
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Superhydrophobic surfaces offer low light loss and power consumption for optofluidics.
- Existing planar micro/nanostructured platforms face bonding issues and significant waveguide loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fully enclosed superhydrophobic optofluidic system with reduced optical loss.
- To investigate the impact of microstructured cladding designs on optical performance.
- To demonstrate the system's utility in quantifying CRISPR-labeled quantum dots for therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- One-step microstereolithography fabrication of the optofluidic system.
- Evaluation of various microstructured cladding designs (down to 100 μm feature size).
- Analysis of optical loss factors, including solid area fraction, cross-section shape, and cladding composition.
Main Results:
- A "T-type" overhang cladding design demonstrated the lowest optical loss across different wavelengths.
- Optical loss is influenced by cross-section shape and cladding composition, not just solid area fraction.
- The system successfully quantified CRISPR-labeled quantum dots.
Conclusions:
- The fully enclosed superhydrophobic optofluidic system offers a robust platform with minimal optical loss.
- This technology is suitable for sensitive in vitro and in vivo quantification of CRISPR therapeutics.
- Microstereolithography enables efficient fabrication of advanced optofluidic devices.
