An electrostatic microwell-based biochip for phytoplanktonic cell trapping.
A simple microwell-based microfluidic chip for microalgal cells trapping was fabricated. An electrostaticcell trapping mechanism, enabled by a positively charged glass surface, was used. The chip was capable of capturing multiple algal cell types. In the case of filamentous Spirulina platensis, we observed single filament occupancy of up to ∼30% available wells, as high as some previously proposed methods. Captured filaments were not of any preferential size, suggesting well randomized cell trapping. It was found that the electrostatic attraction did not affect the cell growth. Total replacement of liquid inside the wells could be achieved by pumping new solutions via the inlet, making single cell experiments in controlled chemical conditions possible. After the top layer of the chip was removed, cells in the wells could be simply transferred using a micropipette, turning the chip into a platform for strain selection.
Panwong
P
Kuntanawat
Biological Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi , 126 Pracha Uthit Rd., Bang Mod, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand.
Jirapat
J
Ruenin
Beamline 6a: Deep X-ray lithography (DXL), The Synchrotron Light Research Institute (Public Organization) , Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
Rungrueang
R
Phatthanakun
School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (Bangkhuntien) , 49 Soi Thian Thale 25, Bangkhunthian-Chaithale, Bangkok 10150, Thailand.
Phongsakorn
P
Kunhorm
School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (Bangkhuntien) , 49 Soi Thian Thale 25, Bangkhunthian-Chaithale, Bangkok 10150, Thailand.
Werasak
W
Surareungchai
School of Electrical Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology , Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
Sompong
S
Sukprasong
School of Electrical Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology , Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
Nimit
N
Chomnawang
bioMEMS; biological techniques; cellular biophysics; lab-on-a-chip; microfabrication; microfluidics; microorganisms