Home › Analytical Chem › Microfluidic Pneumatic Cages: A Novel Approach for In-chip Crystal Trapping, Manipulation and Controlled Chemical Treatment
Analytical Chem JoVE (Open Access) Citable · DOI

Microfluidic Pneumatic Cages: A Novel Approach for In-chip Crystal Trapping, Manipulation and Controlled Chemical Treatment

DOI: 10.3791/54193-v
What you'll learn
  • ✓ Fabricate double-layer PDMS microfluidic devices with pneumatic control
  • ✓ Trap and manipulate crystalline structures using pneumatic cage actuation
  • ✓ Apply controlled chemical treatment to on-chip trapped materials
Protocol

Herein, we describe the fabrication and operation of a double-layer microfluidic system made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). We demonstrate the potential of this device for trapping, directing the coordination pathway of a crystalline molecular material and controlling chemical reactions onto on-chip trapped structures.

Difficulty
advanced
Total time
~3–5 days (device fabrication and optimization; single experimental run ~2–4 hrs)

Steps

1
Fabricate double-layer PDMS microfluidic device

Construct a polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic device with dual layers designed for pneumatic actuation. This involves soft lithography and layer bonding to create the base architecture for crystal trapping.

▶ 00:47
2
Actuate pneumatic cages in laminar flow

Operate the pneumatic control system to generate localized pressure zones that create virtual cages within the microfluidic channel. This regulates fluid flow and enables precise particle positioning.

▶ 05:01
3
Localize microparticles within flow channels

Direct microparticles or crystalline structures into specific regions of the device using pneumatic cage geometry and laminar flow conditions.

▶ 06:45
4
Deliver controlled chemical treatment on-chip

Apply chemical reagents or solvents to trapped crystal structures with spatial and temporal precision, demonstrating on-chip reaction control and manipulation.

▶ 07:36
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