Fabrication and characterization of a microfluidic module for chemical gradient generation utilizing passive pumping

We introduce a micro-biochemical administration module (μBAM) for generating chemical gradients for use in axonal guidance studies. The device is designed to be simple to use, require minimal packaging, and be operated using only a pipette. A passive pumping mechanism is utilized to pump liquid through a SU-8 microchannel and then the micropore on the Parylene cap of the microchannel. The achievable flow rate delivery through the micropore was characterized and manipulated by varying the drop volumes used to passively drive fluid flow into the device. Biochemicals controllably delivered using this module can be combined with neuronal cell cultures to form chemical gradients for axonal guidance studies.