title: Laser direct-write of single microbeads into spatially-ordered patterns.
abstract: Fabrication of heterogeneous microbead patterns on a bead-by-bead basis promotes new opportunities for sensors, lab-on-a-chip technology and cell-culturing systems within the context of customizable constructs. Laser direct-write (LDW) was utilized to target and deposit solid polystyrene and stem cell-laden alginate hydrogel beads into computer-programmed patterns. We successfully demonstrated single-bead printing resolution and fabricated spatially-ordered patterns of microbeads. The probability of successful microbead transfer from the ribbon surface increased from 0 to 80% with decreasing diameter of 600 to 45 µm, respectively. Direct-written microbeads retained spatial pattern registry, even after 10 min of ultrasonication treatment. SEM imaging confirmed immobilization of microbeads. Viability of cells encapsulated in transferred hydrogel microbeads achieved 37 ± 11% immediately after the transfer process, whereas randomly-patterned pipetted control beads achieved a viability of 51 ± 25%. Individual placement of >10 µm diameter microbeads onto planar surfaces has previously been unattainable. We have demonstrated LDW as a valuable tool for the patterning of single, micrometer-diameter beads into spatially-ordered patterns.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth St, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
authors.forename: Theresa B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Phamduy
authors.forename: Nurazhani Abdul
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Raof
authors.forename: Nathan R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Schiele
authors.forename: Zijie
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: David T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Corr
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Yubing
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Douglas B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Chrisey
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D000464:Alginates / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002470:Cell Survival; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D020723:Glucuronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D006603:Hexuronic Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry; D007834:Lasers; D051379:Mice; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D008863:Microspheres; D010316:Particle Size; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000464:Alginates; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D011137:Polystyrenes; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D020723:Glucuronic Acid