Abstract
Centrifugal microfluidic devices offer a robust method for low-volume fluid handling by combining low-cost instrumentation with highly integrated automation. Crucial to the efficacy of Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD) device operation is the selection of robust valving technology, the design of on-disc fluidic structures, and accurate control of disc spin-speeds (centrifugal force) during operation. The design and refinement of fluidic and valving structures is often guided by inspecting disc operation using high-speed camera systems. This approach involves synchronising image acquisition with disc rotation to visualise liquid flow through a series of images often presented in a video format. Depending on the decisions taken, such systems can cost from €4,000 upwards. This paper outlines the development of a low-cost centrifugal test-stand with an integrated imaging system using a generic wireless camera to record videos directly to a smartphone device. This imaging system can be fabricated using only 3D printers and a low-cost CNC milling machine from widely available materials for approximately €350. High-fidelity imaging of the entire disc for flow visualisation and the recording of real-time colour intensity measurements are facilitated by this standalone device. A vibration analysis study has been performed to determine the rotational velocity range at which the system can be safely operated. Furthermore, the efficacy of the imaging system has been demonstrated by performing real-time colour intensity measurements of dyed water dilutions.
Highlights
Centrifugal microfluidic devices offer a robust method for low-volume fluid handling by combining low-cost instrumentation with highly integrated automation
Centrifugal microfluidics, or Lab-on-a-Disc (LoaD), involves rotating a microfluidic chip about an axis to use the centrifugal force to manipulate fluids—or particles suspended in a fluid—which are present on the disc [1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]
Portable instruments have been modified and linked to the Lab-on-a-Disc for electrochemical-based sensing strategies [44], with one in particular employing a spy video camera for real-time viewing of on-disc operations [45]. Towards this trend of mating LoaD with co-rotating instrumentation, this paper describes the development of a low-cost wireless camera flow-visualisation system for ‘real-time’ ‘on-disc’ colour intensity measurements
Summary
As several parts of this device are created in-house, such as those produced using CNC machining and 3D printing, the construction of this device can be divided into two distinct stages: component fabrication and assembly (Table 2). 1. Cut the acetal and acrylic sheets into segments using a power saw tool. The acrylic layer segments can be cut from the acrylic sheet using a power saw. 4. Two separate NC files have been generated for each acetal and acrylic layer as a different (3 mm for boring & 5 mm for all operations) cutting tool (standard flat bottom milling cutter) is used for each operation.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
