The microscopy cell (MicCell), a versatile modular flowthrough system for cell biology, biomaterial research, and nanotechnology

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • F. U. Gast - , GeSiM – Gesellschaft für Silizium-Mikrosysteme mbH (Author)
  • P. S. Dittrich - , Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS (Author)
  • P. Schwille - , Chair of Biophysics, Biotechnology Center (Author)
  • M. Weigel - , Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)
  • M. Mertig - , Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)
  • J. Opitz - , Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (Author)
  • U. Queitsch - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Author)
  • S. Diez - , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (Author)
  • B. Lincoln - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • F. Wottawah - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • S. Schinkinger - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • J. Guck - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • J. Käs - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • J. Smolinski - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • K. Salchert - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • C. Werner - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • C. Duschl - , Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (Author)
  • M. S. Jäger - , Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (Author)
  • K. Uhlig - , Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (Author)
  • P. Geggier - , Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering (Author)
  • S. Howitz - , GeSiM – Gesellschaft für Silizium-Mikrosysteme mbH (Author)

Abstract

We describe a novel microfluidic perfusion system for high-resolution microscopes. Its modular design allows pre-coating of the coverslip surface with reagents, biomolecules, or cells. A poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) layer is cast in a special molding station, using masters made by photolithography and dry etching of silicon or by photoresist patterning on glass or silicon. This channel system can be reused while the coverslip is exchanged between experiments. As normal fluidic connectors are used, the link to external, computer-programmable syringe pumps is standardized and various fluidic channel networks can be used in the same setup. The system can house hydrogel microvalves and microelectrodes close to the imaging area to control the influx of reaction partners. We present a range of applications, including single-molecule analysis by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), manipulation of single molecules for nanostructuring by hydrodynamic flow fields or the action of motor proteins, generation of concentration gradients, trapping and stretching of live cells using optical fibers precisely mounted in the PDMS layer, and the integration of microelectrodes for actuation and sensing.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)21-36
Number of pages16
JournalMicrofluidics and nanofluidics
Volume2
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2006
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-0750-8515/work/142235587
ORCID /0000-0003-0189-3448/work/159607193

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

Keywords

  • Hydrogel valve, Lab-on-chip, Microelectrodes, Microscopy, PDMS microchannel