A simple microfluidic gradient generator with a soft-lithographically prototyped, high-aspect-ratio, ∼2 µm wide microchannel

We have developed a cast microfluidic chip that contains a thin (~2 μm wide) microchannel that is smoothly connected to thick microfluidics. The thin line features having high aspect ratio for a low-cost photolithography in which an emulsion photomask was used (1:1 ~ 1:3) were fabricated by exposing SU-8 photoresist to diffused 185 nm UV light emitted by a low-cost ozone lamp from the backside of the substrate to ensure sufficient crosslinking of small regions of the SU-8 photoresist. An H-shaped microfluidic configuration was used, in which the thin channel maintained constant diffusion fronts beyond purely static diffusion. We also demonstrated the long-term effects of a gradient of nerve growth factor on axon elongation by primary neurons cultured in the micro channel.