Generation of Stable Complex Gradients Across Two-Dimensional Surfaces and Three-Dimensional Gels

Many chemical and biological processes are dependent on molecular gradients. We describe a new microfluidic approach that can be used to produce spatiotemporal gradients across two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional gels under flow-free conditions. Free diffusion between dynamically replenis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Langmuir 2007-10, Vol.23 (22), p.10910-10912
Main Authors: Mosadegh, Bobak, Huang, Carlos, Park, Jeong Won, Shin, Hwa Sung, Chung, Bong Geun, Hwang, Sun-Kyu, Lee, Kun-Hong, Kim, Hyung Joon, Brody, James, Jeon, Noo Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomedical Engineering
Chemistry
Colloidal state and disperse state
Equipment Design
Exact sciences and technology
Gels
General and physical chemistry
Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
Microfluidics
Microscopy, Fluorescence
Surface physical chemistry
Surface Properties
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Summary:Many chemical and biological processes are dependent on molecular gradients. We describe a new microfluidic approach that can be used to produce spatiotemporal gradients across two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional gels under flow-free conditions. Free diffusion between dynamically replenished flow channels acting as a sink and source is utilized to give rise to stable steady-state gradient profiles. The gradient profile is dictated by the engineered design of the device's gradient-generating region. Different designs can yield both linear and non-linear gradients of varying profiles. More complex gradients can be made by juxtaposing different designs within a single gradient-generating region. By fabricating an array of designs along the gradient-generating region, different gradient profiles can be generated simultaneously, allowing for parallel analysis. Additionally, simple methods of localizing gels into microdevices are demonstrated. The device was characterized by experimentally obtained gradient profiles of fluorescent molecules that corroborated closely with a simulated finite element model.
ISSN:0743-7463
1520-5827
DOI:10.1021/la7026835