Abstract: Self-Loading Lithographically Structured Microcontainers: 3D Patterned, Mobile Microwells (2008 Annual Meeting)

Thursday, November 20, 2008: 10:10 AM

Salon L (Marriott Philadelphia Downtown)

Timothy Leong, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Bryan Benson, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Christina Randall, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Aasiyeh Zarafshar, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

David H. Gracias, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

We describe photolithographically structured, mobile microcontainers that load themselves as they self-assemble en masse at low temperatures (~40°C); these containers enable a method of parallel loading at biologically-compatible temperatures. The assembly of the microcontainers is thermally triggered, without the need for any external connections. This untethered nature, coupled with the use of ferromagnetic materials in the microcontainers, allows for remote-controlled guidance. Additionally, photolithography enables the containers to be fabricated with precisely-engineered monodisperse sizes, shapes, and surface porosity. We demonstrate the self-loading of glass beads, and to highlight the low temperature process, cells and embryos.

Extended Abstract: File Not Uploaded

See more of this Session: Biomems and Microfluidics: Sensing, Detection, and Integration
See more of this Group/Topical: Topical 3: 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Electrophoresis Society (AES)