Microfluidics based bioimaging with cost-efficient fabrication of multi-level micrometer-sized trenches

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Microfluidic devices are crucial for research and diagnostics but are often expensive and require specialized facilities.
• High costs and complex fabrication limit the accessibility of microfluidic technology for many researchers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, cost-effective micro-fabrication technique for multi-layer microfluidic devices.
• To make microfluidic device fabrication accessible using common wet-lab facilities, eliminating the need for clean rooms and specialized equipment.

Main Methods:

• A new process-flow design was developed, avoiding master molds and sophisticated lithography.
• Key fabrication steps, including spin coating and wet etching, were optimized.
• The fabricated devices were validated by trapping and imaging Caenorhabditis elegans for lifetime assays and larval separation.

Main Results:

• A cost-effective and scalable micro-fabrication technique was successfully demonstrated.
• The technique allows for the creation of multi-layer devices with precise confinement sizes (0.6 to >50 µm).
• The fabricated devices proved effective for biological assays, including C. elegans lifetime studies and automated larval handling.

Conclusions:

• This novel microfluidic fabrication method significantly lowers costs and increases accessibility for researchers globally.
• The technique's scalability and versatility support the study of both unicellular and multicellular organisms.
• The method has the potential for widespread adoption across various research applications, particularly in resource-limited environments.