Hybrid microchannel-solid state micropore device for fast and optical cell detection

ROSERO, GUSTAVO; BOOTH, ROSS; DEBUT, ALEXIS; LERNER, BETIANA; FERNÁNDEZ-CABADA, TAMARA; CABALEIRO, JUAN M.; PÉREZ, MAXIMILIANO S.; OLMOS, CAROL M.; DER, MANUEL; CUMBAL, LUIS

RSC Advances

Royal Chemistry Society

Año: 2020 vol. 10 p. 5361 - 5370

This paper presents a methodology for cell detection and counting using a device that combines PDMS(polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidic multilayer channels with a single solid state micropore. Optimalconditions of solid-state micropore fabrication from crystalline silicon wafers are presented. Microporesof varying size can be obtained by directly etching using an etchant agent concentration of 50 wt% KOH,at varying temperatures (40, 60, 80 C) and voltages (100, 500, 1000 mV). Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), and profilometry techniques have been used for the micropore characterization. In order to findoptimal conditions for cell detection a COMSOL Multiphysics simulation was performed. Pressure drop,shear stress, fluid viscosities and flow rates parameters were evaluated. The potential viability of thedevice for cell detection and counting, avoiding cellular damage, is demonstrated.