Numerical Optimization of a Microfluidic Assisted Microarray for the Detection of Biochemical Interactions

Emanuele Orabona,Ilaria Rea,Luca De Stefano,Ivo Rendina

doi:10.3390/s111009658

Abstract

Finite element method analysis was applied to the characterization of the biomolecular interactions taking place in a microfluidic assisted microarray. Numerical simulations have been used for the optimization of geometrical and physical parameters of the sensing device. Different configurations have been analyzed and general considerations have been derived. We have shown that a parallel disposition of the sensing area allows the homogeneous formation of the target molecular complex in all the active zones of the microarray. Stationary and time dependent results have also been obtained.

Highlights

In the past two decades microfluidics has emerged as a powerful tool for biosensing [1] and biophotonics [2]
We present a numerical study by finite element methods (FEM) analysis of the binding interaction between active sites on the array surface elements with biochemical species in microfluidic networks
While the literature works generally consider interactions between biochemical species under flow conditions, in our simulation we have considered the binding kinetics under static conditions, with an initial step involving flow of a liquid solution to fill the channel, followed by a flow velocity decreasing to a zero value, and we have compared the results with respect to the dynamic approach

Summary

Introduction

In the past two decades microfluidics has emerged as a powerful tool for biosensing [1] and biophotonics [2]. While the literature works generally consider interactions between biochemical species under flow conditions, in our simulation we have considered the binding kinetics under static conditions, with an initial step involving flow of a liquid solution to fill the channel, followed by a flow velocity decreasing to a zero value, and we have compared the results with respect to the dynamic approach Many experiments, especially those requiring consumption of a very low volume of reagent for economic or technical reasons, are driven in static, or quasi-static, steady flow conditions, so this is a useful design tool for both situations. Parallel flow to provide efficient and uniform analyte distribution on the sensing part of microfluidic assisted microarrays

Theory

Numericaal Simulatiions

Findings

Conclusions