Quantitative 3D mapping of fluidic temperatures within microchannel networks using fluorescence lifetime imaging.
We describe a novel method for quantitatively mapping fluidic temperature with high spatial resolution within microchannels using fluorescence lifetime imaging in an optically sectioning microscope. Unlike intensity-based measurements, this approach is independent of experimental parameters, such as dye concentration and excitation/detection efficiency, thereby facilitating quantitative temperature mapping. Micrometer spatial resolution of 3D temperature distributions is readily achieved with an optical sectioning approach based on two-photon excitation. We demonstrate this technique for mapping of temperature variations across a microfluidic chip under different heating profiles and for mapping of the 3D temperature distribution across a single microchannel under applied flow conditions. This technique allows optimization of the chip design for miniaturized processes, such as on-chip PCR, for which precise temperature control is important.
Benninger
Richard K P
RK
Department of Physics and Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
Koç
Yasemin
Y
Hofmann
Oliver
O
Requejo-Isidro
Jose
J
Neil
Mark A A
MA
French
Paul M W
PM
DeMello
Andrew J
AJ
D004735:Energy Transfer; D004867:Equipment Design; D005453:Fluorescence; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D056656:Lab-On-A-Chip Devices; D046208:Microchip Analytical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D017785:Photons; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013696:Temperature