title: Gel-based optical waveguides with live cell encapsulation and integrated microfluidics.
abstract: In this Letter, we demonstrate a biocompatible microscale optical device fabricated from agarose hydrogel that allows for encapsulation of cells inside an optical waveguide. This allows for better interaction between the light in the waveguide and biology, since it can interact with the direct optical mode rather than the evanescent field. We characterize the optical properties of the waveguide and further incorporate a microfluidic channel over the optical structure, thus developing an integrated optofluidic system fabricated entirely from agarose gel.
authors.affiliation: Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.
authors.forename: Aadhar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: Allen H J
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Erickson
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D052898:Optical Tweezers; D012685:Sepharose / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D020100:Hydrogels; D012685:Sepharose