Abstract
3D printing of microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices enables rapid prototyping of robust and complex structures. In this work, we designed and fabricated a 3D printed lab-on-a-chip device for fiber-based dual beam optical manipulation. The final 3D printed chip offers three key features, such as (1) an optimized fiber channel design for precise alignment of optical fibers, (2) an optically clear window to visualize the trapping region, and (3) a sample channel which facilitates hydrodynamic focusing of samples. A square zig–zag structure incorporated in the sample channel increases the number of particles at the trapping site and focuses the cells and particles during experiments when operating the chip at low Reynolds number. To evaluate the performance of the device for optical manipulation, we implemented on-chip, fiber-based optical trapping of different-sized microscopic particles and performed trap stiffness measurements. In addition, optical stretching of MCF-7 cells was successfully accomplished for the purpose of studying the effects of a cytochalasin metabolite, pyrichalasin H, on cell elasticity. We observed distinct changes in the deformability of single cells treated with pyrichalasin H compared to untreated cells. These results demonstrate that 3D printed microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices offer a cost-effective and customizable platform for applications in optical manipulation.
Highlights
Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) requires highly precise, fine structures in order to transport and manipulate fluids in a targeted manner
Fiber-based optical traps are compatible with microfluidic LOCs—creating compact and economical platforms well-suited for optical manipulation
After 3D printing and postprocessing, the 3D printed test structures were imaged under a digital 3D microscope and the dimensions were measured at approximately half the height of the protrusion or well
Summary
Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip (LOC) requires highly precise, fine structures in order to transport and manipulate fluids in a targeted manner. The fabrication steps in soft lithography include producing a mold in a clean room environment and complex chemical etching processes that necessitates substantial expertise[1,2] Other techniques such as injection molding, micromilling and hot embossing have been employed as microfabrication methods[3] with the aim to address high-throughput manufacturing and low cost. Femtosecond micromachining was employed to fabricate readily aligned waveguides and channels in a glass chip for optical s tretching[21,22] and s orting[23,24] of cells Despite these technological advances, problems with complex fabrication still persist, largely stemming from multi-step procedures, requiring lengthy and stringent methods in order to produce a working prototype. This work highlights the great potential of 3D printing customized LOC devices for precise optical manipulation and future potential applications of this promising technology in colloidal and single-cell biological studies
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