Photonic and microfluidic strategies for bioanalysis applications

A problem presented at the UK MMSG Southampton 2007.

Presented by:
Dr Tracy Melvin (Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton)
Participants:
S Brooks, D Friedrich, M Gratton, M Jones, J King, T Melvin, J Oliver, R Repetto, S Waters, T Witelski

Problem Description

Integrated microfluidic/optical devices provide an ideal platform for examining the response of mammalian cells to the environment i.e. to biochemical and mechanical stimuli. We are interested in designing and fabricating fluidic devices for controlled mixing and delivery of various solutions to cultured cells on the base of shallow wide channel structures; the cells are to be interrogated optically from below. Designing such a device is complicated by the need to create a well controlled environment for the study.

Questions to be addressed by the study group include

  1. How deformed are the cells in the channel due to the flow and how is the flow profile and mixing of fluids by transverse molecular diffusion influenced by the presence of the cells.
  2. What is the distribution of chemical species within any channel as it is taken-up by the cells.
  3. What distribution and patterns of cells should be put on the lower layer, what is the ideal shape of the channel and what flux of fluid should be put through it.