A high-yield method for generating mass-transfer gradients in elastomer microfluidics using impermeable capillaries

Abstract

We demonstrated a robust, inexpensive method for fabricating high-throughput gas gradient generation devices which combined classic mass-transfer limited techniques with the versatility of elastomer microfluidics. The method allowed for dozens of replicate mass-transfer gradient experiments per day, including fabrication and assembly of devices. We demonstrated how our devices can be interfaced with microfluidics and how gradient parameters can be varied. In this work, we applied the method to characterize gradients of pH and cell viability generated in mass-transfer limited cultures of HeLa cells and observed the morphology of differentiating C2Cl2 myoblasts in an oxygen gradient.

Generation of oxygen gradients in microfluidic devices for cell culture using spatially confined chemical reactions

“…14 Similarly, impermeable capillaries were employed to generate mass-transfer gradients, including oxygen, inside the elastomer microfluidic device. 15 To dynamically control oxygen profiles, an oxygen microgradient array (OMA) device using water electrolysis controlled by electrode patterns was developed. 16 In addition, a multi-layer microfluidic device was constructed using a gaspermeable membrane and a computer-controlled multi-channel gas mixer.…”

Microplatforms for Gradient Field Generation of Various Properties and Biological Applications

“…66 Other types of stem cells have also been studied on microplatforms. The oxygen gradient effect on C2C12 myoblast differentiation has been observed 67 ; the cell chamber had a closed end and open entrance contacting oxygen-rich media to generate an oxygen gradient in the chamber. Near the entrance, cells were alive, attached, and differentiated with differentiation medium because they were exposed to the oxygen-rich media.…”

A Microfluidic Chip Architecture Enabling a Hypoxic Microenvironment and Nitric Oxide Delivery in Cell Culture

“…Recently, microfluidics has been used for manipulating and controlling cellular gaseous microenvironments for in vitro and in vivo studies [11][12][13][14][15]. Microfluidics is a discipline that uses micro-or nanoscale channels for mixing, delivering, and sorting of fluids.…”