Product Code: ICA10_M1004

Femtosecond Laser Machining of SiO2 Microfluidic Devices for Cellular Imaging during Chemotaxis Analysis
Authors:
L. Costa, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute; Tullahoma TN USA
A. Terekhov, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute; Tullahoma TN USA
W. Hofmeister, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute; Tullahoma TN USA
D. Rajput, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute; Tullahoma TN USA
K. Lansford, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute; Tullahoma TN USA
D. Jowhar, Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University; Nashville TN USA
C. Janetopoulos, Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University; Nashville TN USA
Presented at ICALEO 2010

Sub-surface femtosecond laser machining of fused silica (SiO2) was used to fabricate monolithic microfluidic devices specifically designed for cellular imaging purposes during chemotaxis analysis. These novel cell imaging devices, designed to work on a standard biological light or fluorescent microscope, replace current micropipette and multi-component single-use PDMS systems. The SiO2 devices are re-usable, have superior optical properties, and include both micro and nanofluidic channels. Optimization of the dimensional and surface characteristics of these channels as a function of the energy-per-pulse, pulse repetition rate and laser rastering conditions used during femtosecond laser machining with micro-objectives (>0.3 NA) was investigated. The results of this investigation are presented herein. Design and fabrication of SiO2 devices with chemotactic gradient forming capabilities, used to study the directed migration of cells through complex patterns, will also be presented.