Using gradient micro-fluidics chips to optimize BG-11 medium for the growth of cyanobacteria Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942

Cyanobacteria are phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. They are also known as Cyanophyta. BG-11 medium, which consists of various ingredients with specific composition, is used to cultivate cyanobacteria. Although BG-11 medium is the standard protocol for cultivating cyanobacteria, many biochemical researchers still search for a new recipe with optimized concentration ratio of the components to achieve faster and better cyanobacteria growth. In order to analyze and identify the optimal BG-11 composition for cyanobacteria growth, we used UV lithography (MEMS) to fabricate the micro-channel gradient system mold (Concentration Gradient Generator Chip, CGGC) and cultivated cyanobacteria strain Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 in PDMS chambers. By using this high throughput micro channel design as the first step, we can test six different concentrations of each BG-11 ingredient at the same time. Moreover, it lowers the experimental costs and reduces the amount of medium used in cultivation compared to conventional methods.