Fabrication of Microfluidic Device for Quantitative Monitoring of Algal Cell Behavior Using X-ray LIGA Technology

Authors: J. Ruenin, S. Sukprasong, R. Phatthanakun, N. Chomnawang, P. Kuntanawat

Abstract:

In this paper, a simple microfluidic device for monitoring algal cell behavior is proposed. An array of algal microwells is fabricated by PDMS soft-lithography using X-ray LIGA mold, placed on a glass substrate. Two layers of replicated PDMS and substrate are attached by oxygen plasma bonding, creating a microchannel for the microfluidic system. Algal cell are loaded into the microfluidic device, which provides positive charge on the bottom surface of wells. Algal cells, which are negative charged, can be attracted to the bottom of the wells via electrostatic interaction. By varying the concentration of algal cells in the loading suspension, it is possible to obtain wells with a single cell. Liquid medium for cells monitoring are flown continuously over the wells, providing nutrient and waste exchange between the well and the main flow. This device could lead to the uncovering of the quantitative biology of the algae, which is a key to effective and extensive algal utilizations in the field of biotechnology, food industry and bioenergy research and developments.

Keywords: Algal cells, microfluidic device, X-ray LIGA, X-ray lithography, metallic mold, synchrotron light, PDMS

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1080512

References:

[1] A. Hongsthong, M. Sirijuntarut, P. Prommeenate, S. Thammathorn, B. Bunnag, S. Cheevadhanarak, and M. Tanticharoen, "Revealing differentially expressed proteins in two morphological forms of Spirulina platensis by proteomic analysis," Molecular Biotechnology, vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 123-130, Apr. 2007.
[2] P. Anupama, "Value-added food: Single cell protein," Biotechnology Advances, vol. 18, no. 6, pp. 459-479, Oct. 2000.
[3] M. Plazaa, S. Santoyob, L. Jaimeb, G. García-Blairsy Reinac, M. Herrerob, F.J. Señoránsb, E. Ibáñeza, "Screening for bioactive compounds from algae.," Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis, vol. 51, no. 2, pp. 450-5, Jan. 2010.
[4] S. T. Silveira, J. F. M. Burkert, J. A. V. Costa, C. A. V. Burkert, and S. J. Kalil, "Optimization of phycocyanin extraction from Spirulina platensis using factorial design.," Bioresource technology, vol. 98, no. 8, pp. 1629-34, May 2007.
[5] H. Xu, X. Miao, and Q. Wu, "High quality biodiesel production from a microalga Chlorella protothecoides by heterotrophic growth in fermenters.," Journal of biotechnology, vol. 126, no. 4, pp. 499-507, Dec. 2006.
[6] J. Pan, AL. Stephenson, E. Kazamia, WT. Huck, JS. Dennis, AG. Smith, and C. Abell, "Quantitative tracking of the growth of individual algal cells in microdroplet compartments," Integrative Biology, vol. 3, no. 10, pp. 1043-1051, 2011.
[7] C. Wu and P. Wang, "A Microfluidic Device for Single and Small Population Cell Trapping and Lysis of Pseudo-nitzschia," 5th IEEE International Conference on Nano/Micro Engineered and Molecular Systems, 2010, pp. 975-978.