Title :
A patch-clamp device with integrated actuators for cell selection and positioning
Author :
Gong, Zhongcheng ; Nagarajan, Krithika ; Penmetsa, Siva ; Mills, David ; Que, Long
Author_Institution :
Inst. for Micromanufacturing, Louisiana Tech Univ., Ruston, LA
Abstract :
A patch-clamp (PC) microchip with integrated air-bubble actuators (AB actuators) for cell positioning is demonstrated, showing the promise for an automated PC microsystem. AB actuators are pneumatic actuators. The air pressure is generated by PDMS membrane mechanical deformation. By integrating with microfluidic channels and PC electrodes, AB actuators can potentially help avoid drawbacks of random cell selection or positioning for a PC microchip, paving the way for an automated PC microsystem. In this effort, the lateral electrode-pipette, located opposite to the outlet of an AB actuator, is designed for trapping a cell. The positioning and capturing of 3T3 cells were demonstrated successfully. Measurements found that the electrode impedance is 1 MOmega; the seal resistance is 5 MOmega with a captured cell. Optimization of the size and shape of the pipette is underway to enhance the seal resistance.
Keywords :
bioelectric phenomena; cellular biophysics; deformation; electric impedance; electrodes; microactuators; microfluidics; pneumatic actuators; automated microsystem; cell positioning; cell selection; electrode impedance; integrated air-bubble actuators; lateral electrode-pipette; membrane mechanical deformation; microfluidic channels; patch-clamp device; patch-clamp microchip; pneumatic actuators; random cell selection; seal resistance; Actuators; air bubble actuator; microfluidics; patch-clamp device; patch-clamp electrodes;
Conference_Titel :
Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems, 2009. NEMS 2009. 4th IEEE International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Shenzhen
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4629-2
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4630-8
DOI :
10.1109/NEMS.2009.5068577
