Cell Inn: Microchips for Cells Separation
September 2013 - May2014
Department of Precision Instruments, Tsinghua University, China
Research on cells has been focusing on data derived by averageing over quantities of cells assuming that cell samples are uniform. However the heterogeneous character of cells offers a more precise understanding of cullular function, gene mutation and diseases such as cancer. This is the first project I tried in the field of MEMS and Microfluidics, in which I designed and fabricated multiple chips for single cell separation. And with this project I was selected to Tsinghua Spark Talents Program for Technological Innovation.
Motivate
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Traditionally, methods like serial dilution of FCM(flow cytometry) have been used for single cell analysis, which are either labor-consuming or expensive.
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Here we target at designing a low-cost microfluidic chip for high-throughput single-cell capture, using hydrodynamic microarrays.
Traditional method of cell separation
Ideate
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PDMS and glass is used as the base material, and by creating different patterns on PDMS we can guide cells into different places.
Capture unit design
Capture efficiency simulation
Capture efficiency simulation (video)
Photolithography mask design
Develop
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Chips are fabricated through photolithography, plasma treatment, bonding, etc.
Fabrication photo
3D structure examination by white-light interferometer
Test
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Hela cells are used to test the device.
Some cells are separated out
Deliver
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Honor: Selected into Tsinghua Spark Talents Program for Technological Innovation.
Skill Sets
Photolithography
MEMS/Microfluidics Fabrication
AutoCAD
COMSOL Multiphysics
Medical Device Design