title: Easily fabricated magnetic traps for single-cell applications.
abstract: We describe a simple and inexpensive method of fabricating single cell magnetic traps within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device. These traps were developed as part of an automated system that captures individual yeast cells in a microfluidic device and analyzes each cell as it buds. To make the traps, PdCl(2) catalyst is rubbed with vinyl foam onto plasma-patterned PDMS, and then Co-Ni-B alloy is electrolessly deposited onto the catalyst at a moderate temperature. We demonstrate individual yeast cell capture and estimate the capture force (1.9-4.4 pN) by measuring the flow speed required to remove the cell from its trap in a microfluidic channel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-2500, USA.
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Koschwanez
authors.forename: Robert H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Deirdre R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Meldrum
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D002384:Catalysis; D018914:Cells, Immobilized / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D008280:Magnetics; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D010165:Palladium / Q000737:chemistry; D004718:Saccharomycetales / Q000254:growth & development / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012828:Silicones / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D012828:Silicones; D010165:Palladium; C013830:baysilon; C008756:palladium chloride