Issue 7, 2012

Concentration landscape generators for shear free dynamic chemical stimulation

Abstract

In this paper we first introduce a novel fabrication process, which allows for easy integration of thin track-etched nanoporous membranes, within 2D or 3D microchannel networks. In these networks, soluble chemical compounds can diffuse out of the channels through well-defined and spatially organized microfabricated porous openings. Interestingly, multiple micron-scale porous areas can be integrated in the same device and each of these areas can be connected to a different microfluidic channel and reservoir. We then present and characterize several membrane-based microdevices and their use for the generation of stable diffusible concentration gradients and complex dynamic chemical landscapes under shear free conditions. We also demonstrate how a simple flow-focusing geometry can be used to generate “on-demand” concentration profiles. In turn, these devices should provide an ideal experimental framework for high throughput cell-based assays: long term high-resolution video microscopy experiments can be performed, under multiple spatially and temporally controlled chemical conditions, with simple protocols and in a cell-friendly environment.

Graphical abstract: Concentration landscape generators for shear free dynamic chemical stimulation

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
14 Oct 2011
Accepted
10 Jan 2012
First published
20 Feb 2012

Lab Chip, 2012,12, 1340-1346

Concentration landscape generators for shear free dynamic chemical stimulation

M. Morel, J. Galas, M. Dahan and V. Studer, Lab Chip, 2012, 12, 1340 DOI: 10.1039/C2LC20994B

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