Transillumination lab-on-a-chip cytometer with silicon/glass membrane for image-based porcine oocyte deformation characterisation

Abstract

Transillumination micrscopes combined with lab-on-a-chip devices are usefull tools for characterisation of various biological samples. Key issue in these devices is light transparency across a lab-on-a-chip structure. In this work we achieved it by embedding glass window in a silicon membrane. Despite light transmission the membrane could be pressure actuated. It was applied to deform investigated cell – porcine oocyte. Thus, a unique construction of cytometer working in transillumination mode and enabling controlled cell deformation was built. In the paper technology of the silicon/glass membrane and results of porcine oocyte imagining during deformation is presented and compared to our previous Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cytometer working with reflective microscope.