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Microfluidic Platform (microfluidic + platform)
Selected AbstractsMicrofluidics: Surface-Treatment-Induced Three-Dimensional Capillary Morphogenesis in a Microfluidic Platform (Adv. Mater.ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 47 200947/2009) The cover shows confocal images of 3D sprouting into matrix material in microfluidic channels. Roger Kamm and co-workers report on p. 4863 that robust induction of realistic angiogenesis into the 3D matrix material under simultaneous imaging and a stably controlled concentration gradient of chemoattractants can be achieved. The formation of a 3D vascular network is demonstrated to be a direct consequence of surface treatment of the region of the device-containing matrix material. [source] Surface-Treatment-Induced Three-Dimensional Capillary Morphogenesis in a Microfluidic PlatformADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 47 2009Seok Chung Robust induction of realistic angiogenesis into a 3D matrix material under simultaneous imaging and a stably controlled concentration gradient of chemoattractants is presented. The formation of a 3D vascular network is demonstrated to be a direct consequence of surface treatment of the region of the device-containing matrix material. [source] Fast immobilization of probe beads by dielectrophoresis-controlled adhesion in a versatile microfluidic platform for affinity assayELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 19 2005Janko Auerswald Dr. Abstract The use of probe beads for lab-on-chip affinity assays is very interesting from a practical point of view. It is easier to handle and trap beads than molecules in microfluidic systems. We present a method for the immobilization of probe beads at defined areas on a chip using dielectrophoresis (DEP)-controlled adhesion. The method is fast, i.e., it takes between 10 and 120,s , depending on the protocol , to functionalize a chip surface at defined areas. The method is versatile, i.e., it works for beads with different types of probe molecule coatings. The immobilization is irreversible, i.e., the retained beads are able to withstand high flow velocities in a flow-through device even after the DEP voltage is turned off, thus allowing the use of conventional high-conductivity analyte buffers in the following assay procedure. We demonstrate the on-chip immobilization of fluorescent beads coated with biotin, protein,A, and goat,antimouse immunoglobulin G (IgG). The number of immobilized beads at an electrode array can be determined from their fluorescence signal. Further, we use this method to demonstrate the detection of streptavidin and mouse IgG. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of the parallel detection of different analyte molecules on the same chip. [source] Novel microfluidic platform for culturing neurons: Culturing and biochemical analysis of neuronal componentsBIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 11 2009Jeong Won Park Abstract Neurons, one of the most polarized types of cells, are typically composed of cell bodies (soma), dendrites, and axons. Many events such as electric signal transmission, axonal transport, and local protein synthesis occur in the axon, so that a method for isolating axons from somata and dendrites is required for systematically investigating these axonal events. Based on a previously developed neuron culture method for isolating and directing the growth of central nervous system axons without introducing neutrophins, we report three modified microfluidic platforms: (1) for performing biochemical analysis of the pure axonal fraction, (2) for culturing tissue explants, and (3) a design that allows high content assay on same group of cells. The key feature of these newly developed platforms is that the devices incorporate a number of microgrooves for isolating axons from the cell body. They utilize an open cellculture area, unlike the enclosed channels of the previous design. This design has extended the axonal channel so that a sufficient amount of pure axonal fraction can be obtained to perform biochemical analysis. The design also addresses the drawback of the previous neuron culture device, which was not adaptable for culturing thick neuronal tissues such as brain explants, neurospheres, and embryoid bodies, which are essential model tissues in neuroscience research. The design has an open cellculture area in the center and four enclosed channels around open area, and is suitable for multiple drug screening assays. [source] Microfluidic Tissue Model for Live Cell ScreeningBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 4 2007Philip J. Lee We have developed a microfluidic platform modeled after the physiologic microcirculation for multiplexed tissue-like culture and high-throughput analysis. Each microfabricated culture unit consisted of three functional components: a 50 ,m wide cell culture pocket, an artificial endothelial barrier with 2 ,m pores, and a nutrient transport channel. This configuration enabled a high density of cancer cells to be maintained for over 1 week in a solid tumor-like morphology when fed with continuous flow. The microfluidic chip contained 16 parallel units for "flow cell" based experiments where live cells were exposed to a soluble factor and analyzed via fluorescence microscopy or flow-through biochemistry. Each fluidically independent tissue unit contained ,500 cells fed with a continuous flow of 10 nL/min. As a demonstration, the toxicity profile of the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel was collected on HeLa cells cultured in the microfluidic format and compared with a 384-well dish for up to 5 days of continuous drug exposure. [source] Toner and paper-based fabrication techniques for microfluidic applicationsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 15 2010Wendell Karlos Tomazelli Coltro Abstract The interest in low-cost microfluidic platforms as well as emerging microfabrication techniques has increased considerably over the last years. Toner- and paper-based techniques have appeared as two of the most promising platforms for the production of disposable devices for on-chip applications. This review focuses on recent advances in the fabrication techniques and in the analytical/bioanalytical applications of toner and paper-based devices. The discussion is divided in two parts dealing with (i) toner and (ii) paper devices. Examples of miniaturized devices fabricated by using direct-printing or toner transfer masking in polyester-toner, glass, PDMS as well as conductive platforms as recordable compact disks and printed circuit board are presented. The construction and the use of paper-based devices for off-site diagnosis and bioassays are also described to cover this emerging platform for low-cost diagnostics. [source] Novel microfluidic platform for culturing neurons: Culturing and biochemical analysis of neuronal componentsBIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL, Issue 11 2009Jeong Won Park Abstract Neurons, one of the most polarized types of cells, are typically composed of cell bodies (soma), dendrites, and axons. Many events such as electric signal transmission, axonal transport, and local protein synthesis occur in the axon, so that a method for isolating axons from somata and dendrites is required for systematically investigating these axonal events. Based on a previously developed neuron culture method for isolating and directing the growth of central nervous system axons without introducing neutrophins, we report three modified microfluidic platforms: (1) for performing biochemical analysis of the pure axonal fraction, (2) for culturing tissue explants, and (3) a design that allows high content assay on same group of cells. The key feature of these newly developed platforms is that the devices incorporate a number of microgrooves for isolating axons from the cell body. They utilize an open cellculture area, unlike the enclosed channels of the previous design. This design has extended the axonal channel so that a sufficient amount of pure axonal fraction can be obtained to perform biochemical analysis. The design also addresses the drawback of the previous neuron culture device, which was not adaptable for culturing thick neuronal tissues such as brain explants, neurospheres, and embryoid bodies, which are essential model tissues in neuroscience research. The design has an open cellculture area in the center and four enclosed channels around open area, and is suitable for multiple drug screening assays. [source] |