A polymeric micro-optical interface for flow monitoring in biomicrofluidics |
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| Authors: | Francesca Sapuppo Andreu Llobera Florinda Schembri Marcos Intaglietta Victor J Cadarso and Maide Bucolo |
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| Institution: | 1Dipartimento di Ingegneria Elettrica Elettronica e dei Sistemi, dell’Università degli Studi di Catania, V.le A.Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy;2Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona, (IBM-CNM, CSIC), 08193 Barcelona, Spain;3Department of Bioengineering, Microhemodynamic Laboratory, University of California, San Diego, California 92093-0412, USA |
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| Abstract: | We describe design and miniaturization of a polymeric optical interface for flow monitoring in biomicrofluidics applications based on polydimethylsiloxane technology, providing optical transparency and compatibility with biological tissues. Design and ray tracing simulation are presented as well as device realization and optical analysis of flow dynamics in microscopic blood vessels. Optics characterization of this polymeric microinterface in dynamic experimental conditions provides a proof of concept for the application of the device to two-phase flow monitoring in both in vitro experiments and in vivo microcirculation investigations. This technology supports the study of in vitro and in vivo microfluidic systems. It yields simultaneous optical measurements, allowing for continuous monitoring of flow. This development, integrating a well-known and widely used optical flow monitoring systems, provides a disposable interface between live mammalian tissues and microfluidic devices making them accessible to detection∕processing technology, in support or replacing standard intravital microscopy. |
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