3D Droplet Microfluidic Systems for High-Throughput Biological Experimentation

Anal Chem. 2015 Nov 3;87(21):10770-8. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b02402. Epub 2015 Oct 26.

Abstract

Herein, we describe the development of a multilayer droplet microfluidic system for creating concentration gradients and generating microdroplets of varying composition for high-throughput biochemical and cell-based screening applications. The 3D droplet-based microfluidic device consists of multiple PDMS layers, which are used to generate logarithmic concentration gradient reagent profiles. Parallel flow focusing structures are used to form picoliter-sized droplets of defined volumes but of varying composition. As proof of concept, we demonstrate rapid enzymatic activity assays and drug cytotoxicity assays on bacteria. The 3D droplet-based microfluidic platform has the potential to allow for high-efficiency and high-throughput analysis, overcoming the structural limitations of single layer microfluidic systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Bacteria / enzymology
  • Caspase 3 / chemistry
  • Caspase 3 / metabolism
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods*
  • Kinetics
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Caspase 3