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In This Article

  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Protocol
  • Representative Results
  • Discussion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Materials
  • References
  • Reprints and Permissions

Summary

Here we present a protocol to design and fabricate custom microfluidic devices with minimal financial and time investment. The aim is to facilitate the adoption of microfluidic technologies in biomedical research laboratories and educational settings.

Abstract

Microfluidic devices allow for the manipulation of fluids, particles, cells, micro-sized organs or organisms in channels ranging from the nano to submillimeter scales. A rapid increase in the use of this technology in the biological sciences has prompted a need for methods that are accessible to a wide range of research groups. Current fabrication standards, such as PDMS bonding, require expensive and time consuming lithographic and bonding techniques. A viable alternative is the use of equipment and materials that are easily affordable, require minimal expertise and allow for the rapid iteration of designs. In this work we describe a protocol for designing and producing PET-laminates (PETLs), microfluidic devices that are inexpensive, easy to fabricate, and consume significantly less time to generate than other approaches to microfluidics technology. They consist of thermally bonded film sheets, in which channels and other features are defined using a craft cutter. PETLs solve field-specific technical challenges while dramatically reducing obstacles to adoption. This approach facilitates the accessibility of microfluidics devices in both research and educational settings, providing a reliable platform for new methods of inquiry.

Introduction

Microfluidics enables fluid control at small scales, with volumes ranging from microliters (1 x 10-6 L) to picoliters (1 x 10-12 L). This control has been made possible in part due to the application of microfabrication techniques borrowed from the microprocessor industry1. The use of micro-sized networks of channels and chambers allows the user to take advantage of the distinct physical phenomena characteristic of small dimensions. For example, at the micrometer scale, fluids can be manipulated using laminar flow, where viscous forces dominate inertial forces. As a result, diffusive transport becomes the prominent feature....

Protocol

1. Design

  1. Identify an application for the devices and list the channel/chamber components that will be required.
    NOTE: All devices will require input and output channels. Devices used for microscopy will require an imaging chamber. More complex devices will require channels and chambers situated in multiple layers.
  2. Start by hand-drawing each layer, considering how the device’s functionality is affected by the superposition of the layers.
  3. Draw the final designs on a computer us.......

Representative Results

In addition to low cost and rapid iteration, PETL technology can be easily customized to solve specific challenges. First, we describe a simple device consisting of a glass coverslip, a chamber layer, a channel layer, and an inlet/outlet layer (Figure 2). This device was designed to facilitate the imaging of cells and micro-organs under constant flow. Culture medium is replenished at low flow rates to encourage nutrient and gas exchange. The round chamber features a glass bottom, which allow.......

Discussion

While microfluidics are increasingly present in the toolbox of laboratories around the world, the pace of adoption has been disappointing, given the potential for its positive impact16. Low cost and high efficiency of microfluidic device fabrication are essential to accelerate adoption of this technology in the average research laboratory. The method described here uses multiple film layers to create two and three-dimensional devices at a fraction of the time and cost required by lithographic meth.......

Acknowledgements

The work in this manuscript was supported in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Grant No. CBET-1553826) (and associated ROA supplement) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Grant No. R35GM124935) to J.Z., and the Notre Dame Melchor Visiting Faculty fund to F.O. We would like to thank Jenna Sjoerdsma and Basar Bilgiçer for providing mammalian cells and culture protocols and Fabio Sacco for assistance with supplementary figures.

....

Materials

NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
Biopsy punch (1mm)Miltex33-31AAOptional, replaces rotary tool set up
Blunt needlesJanel, Inc.JEN JG18-0.5X-90Remove plastic and attach to Tygon tubing
CoverslipsAny24 x 60 mm are preferred
Cutting Mat and bladesSilhouette America or Nicapawww.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/blades-and-matsRe-use/Disposables
Double-sided tapeScotch/3M667Small amounts, any width or brand
PEEK tubingIDEX/any1581LDifferent configurations available. Consider using Tygon tubing intead, if not already using PEEK
PET/EVA thermal laminate filmScotch/3M & TranscendiaTP3854-200,TP5854-100 & transcendia.com/products/trans-kote-pet3 - 6 mil (mil = 1/1000 inch) laminating pouches or rolls.
PVC film - Cling WrapGlad / AnyFood wrapping
Rotary tool-drillDremel/Any200-121 or other1/32 and 3/64" drill bits from Dremel recommended
Rubber RollerSpeedball4126To facilitate adhesion, any brand will work
Scissors & tweezersAnyFiskars-Inch-Titanium-Softgrip-Scissors |Cole-Parmer –# UX-07387-12Quality brands are recommended
Silhouette CAMEO Craft cutterSilhouette Americawww.silhouetteamerica.com/shop/cameo/SILHOUETTE-CAMEO-3-4TPreferred craft cutter
Silhouette Studio softwareSilhouette Americawww.silhouetteamerica.com/softwareControls the craft cutter and provides drawing tools (free download MAC and PC)
Syringe PumpHarvard Apparatus or New Era70-4504 or NE-300Pumps are ideal, pipettes or burettes can be used.
SyringesAny1-3mL
Thermal laminatorScotch/3MTL906Standard home/office model
Tygon tubing (E-3603)Cole-ParmerEW-06407-70Use with blunt needle tips
Vinyl furniture bumpersDerBlue/3M/ EverbiltClear, self-adhesive (6 x 2 mm and 8 x 3 mm)Round bumpers are recommended

References

  1. Xia, Y., Whitesides, G. M. SOFT LITHOGRAPHY. Annual Review of Materials Science. 28 (1), 153-184 (1998).
  2. Beebe, D. J., Mensing, G. A., Walker, G. M. Physics and Applications of Microfluidics in Biology. Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering.....

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