Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the novel cytometric device

Yongquan Wang*a , Jingyuan Wangb, Hualing Chenc

School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710049, P. R. China
a yqwang@mail.xjtu.edu.cn,, bwjy2006@stu.xjtu.edu.cn,, c hlchen@mail.xjtu.edu.cn,

Abstract:

This paper presents the fabrication of a novel micro-machined cytometric device, and the experimental investigations for its 3D hydrodynamic focusing performance. The proposed device is simple in structure, with the uniqueness that the depth of its microchannels is non-uniform. Using the SU-8 soft lithography containing two exposures, as well as micro-molding techniques, the PDMS device is successfully fabricated. Two kinds of experiments, i.e., the red ink fluidity observation experiments and the fluorescent optical experiments, are then performed for the device prototypes with different step heights, or channel depth differences, to explore the influence laws of the feature parameter on the devices hydrodynamic focusing behaviors. The experimental results show that the introducing of the steps can efficiently enhance the vertical focusing performance of the device. At appropriate geometry and operating conditions, good 3D hydrodynamic focusing can be obtained.

Korea Abstract

이 논문은 새로운 마이크로 머신 세포 측정 장치의 제조와 3D 유체 역학적 초점 성능에 대한 실험적 조사를 제시합니다. 제안 된 장치는 구조가 단순하며, 마이크로 채널의 깊이가 균일하지 않다는 독특함이 있습니다. 두 가지 노출이 포함 된 SU-8 소프트 리소그래피와 마이크로 몰딩 기술을 사용하여 PDMS 장치가 성공적으로 제작되었습니다. 그런 다음 두 종류의 실험, 즉 적색 잉크 유동성 관찰 실험과 형광 광학 실험을 단계 높이 또는 채널 깊이 차이가 다른 장치 프로토 타입에 대해 수행하여 장치 유체 역학적 초점에 대한 기능 매개 변수의 영향 법칙을 탐색합니다. 행동. 실험 결과는 단계의 도입이 장치의 수직 초점 성능을 효율적으로 향상시킬 수 있음을 보여줍니다. 적절한 형상과 작동 조건에서 우수한 3D 유체 역학적 초점을 얻을 수 있습니다.

Keywords

Flow cytometer, Hydrodynamic focusing, Three-dimensional (3D), Micro-machined

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the novel cytometric device
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of the novel cytometric device
Fig.2 Overview of the cytometric device fabrication process
Fig.2 Overview of the cytometric device fabrication process
Fig.3 The fabricated micro cytometric device Fig.4 Experiment setup for focusing performance
Fig.3 The fabricated micro cytometric device Fig. 4 Experiment setup for focusing performance
Fig.5 Horizontal focusing images of two devices with and without steps
Fig.5 Horizontal focusing images of two devices with and without steps
Fig.6 Channel cross-section fluorescence images for different step heights
Fig.6 Channel cross-section fluorescence images for different step heights

References 

Fig.7 Effect of the step height on the 3D focusing at different velocity ratios
Fig.7 Effect of the step height on the 3D focusing at different velocity ratios

Conclusions

In this paper, we presented a novel micro-machined cytometric device and its fabrication process,
emphasizing on the experimental investigations for its 3D hydrodynamic focusing performance. The
proposed device is simple in structure, low cost, and easy to be batch produced. Besides this, as a
device based on standard micro-fabrication methodology, it can be conveniently integrated with other
micro-fluidic and/or micro-optical units to form a complete detection and analysis system.
The experimental tests for the prototype devices not only verified the design conception, but also
gave us a comprehensive understanding of the device hydro-focusing performance. The experimental
results show that, as the uniqueness of this design, the introducing of the feature steps can
significantly enhance the vertical focusing performance of the devices, which is crucial for the
achievement of 3D focusing. In summary, for the proposed novel device, good 3D hydrodynamic
focusing can be attained at appropriate geometry and operating conditions.
In addition, an improved design can be obtained by replacing the flat cover with an identical
device unit, in other words, the same two device units are bonded together (The channels are inward
and aligned) to form a new device. Then the sample stream can focused to the center of the assembly
outlet channel due to the hydrodynamic forces equally in both horizontal and vertical directions, and
thus avoiding the adsorption or friction issues of cells/particles to the top channel wall.

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