Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for Rapid Screening of Biological Agents

Abstract

In this paper, design and fabrication techniques are presented for a new microfluidic device that can be used for a wide variety of biological applications. The device consists of a channel as well as inlet and outlet reservoirs. Along the channel bottom is a pattern of alternating electrodes that can be used to control flow of charged species such as proteins. Driving electrodes are made from thin film metals as well as polypyrrole (PPy), a conducting polymer. The channel walls and covering are both constructed out of transparent or translucent polymers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and SU8 to allow visual observation of biological activity. Deposition of chitosan, a biopolymer, is also discussed as a binding agent for adhesion of other biological materials to the channel bottom.