Session: Undergraduate Research in Polymer Science:

Microfluidic devices have become increasingly popular due to their small size and unlike other scientific developed instruments, their capability to recreate an in-vivo environment three-dimensionally. They can be relatively inexpensive to design and reduce the sample sizes needed, allowing for quicker analysis. A PDMS LEGO® based microfluidic device was created to allow for easy reconfiguration, its ability to house cultured cells, and any desired adaptability of channel flow-through. This gives the possibility for different substances to be tested simultaneously and then analyzed. The device was designed with an inlet hole on one side for fluids to be inserted, passing through a deep middle chamber and then exiting on the opposite side. This design will help minimize leakage and backflow pressure compared to a previous design in our group. Additionally, base prongs were added for easy removal of the top piece without disturbing the experiment and obtaining better results. As a way to quickly and initially verify the device is working properly, cultured Staphylococcus aureus will be placed in the middle chamber and different cleaning agents will be passed through the device allowing interaction with the cells. The cells will be analyzed for cytotoxicity effects of the cleaning agents. This experiment will mimic drug delivery to cancerous cells which will be the next study to test the efficacy of the device to capture how cancer cells react to anti-cancer therapeutics.

Heidi Fletcher

Appearances