Femtosecond laser machining of SiO2 microfluidic devices for cellular imaging during chemotaxis analysis

Abstract

Femtosecond laser machining of fused silica (SiO2) was used to fabricate biomolecule concentration gradient forming microfluidic devices specifically designed for cellular imaging purposes during chemotaxis. These novel cell imaging devices can replace standard Gundersen and Barrett based micropipette systems, are re-usable, have superior optical properties, and may include both micro and nanofluidic channels. The dimensional and surface characteristics of these channels can be precisely tailored as a function of the energy-per-pulse, pulse repetition rate and laser rastering conditions used during femtosecond laser machining, to suit particular application specifications. Design and fabrication of SiO2 devices with biomolecule concentration gradient forming capabilities, used for chemotactic analysis, is presented.Femtosecond laser machining of fused silica (SiO2) was used to fabricate biomolecule concentration gradient forming microfluidic devices specifically designed for cellular imaging purposes during chemotaxis. These novel cell imaging devices can replace standard Gundersen and Barrett based micropipette systems, are re-usable, have superior optical properties, and may include both micro and nanofluidic channels. The dimensional and surface characteristics of these channels can be precisely tailored as a function of the energy-per-pulse, pulse repetition rate and laser rastering conditions used during femtosecond laser machining, to suit particular application specifications. Design and fabrication of SiO2 devices with biomolecule concentration gradient forming capabilities, used for chemotactic analysis, is presented.