On-chip Temperature Sensing and Control for Cell Immobilization

In this study, a temperature sensing and controlling microfluid chip has been developed for cell immobilization using a thermo-sensitive hydrogel (PNIPAAm). The PDMS-based micromagnetic stirrers make microscale fluid mixing to provide the temperature stability in the microchannel. The ITO (indium tin oxide) microheaters and thermosensors, fabricated by micromachining technology, perform in situ fluid heating and feedback temperature control. All temperature sensing and controlling devices are integrated on a chip, in which yeast cell immobilization is performed by the gelation of the PNIPAAm solution.