Lab-on-a-chip for individual cell response to light stimulation

A three-layer MEMS device

Master Thesis (2019)
Authors

R. Stortelder (TU Delft - Mechanical Engineering)

Supervisors

Guogi Zhang (TU Delft - Electronic Components, Technology and Materials)

Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
Copyright
© 2019 Roel Stortelder
More Info
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Publication Year
2019
Language
English
Copyright
© 2019 Roel Stortelder
Graduation Date
17-06-2019
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Biomedical Engineering
Faculty
Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
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Abstract

Analyzing the different signaling pathways of cells is key in understanding the basic functions of the cells in all organic systems from algae to humans. Not only do they help solve our questions on how organisms function, they also allow for new cures to be explored. A large variety of these signaling pathways can be influenced by light and can, for example, stimulate or inhibit cell growth. This research thesis introduces a new lab-on-a-chip MEMS device to help with the cell signaling exploration with a focus on optical cell stimulation. From a culture of HeLa cells, the chip is able to separate individual cells into different chambers by means of microfluidics. These microfluidic channels are processed using SU-8 and place each cell above an LED. In total, each chip houses ten LEDs with four different wavelengths ranging from 450 to 850 nm. Each of these LEDs is individually addressable through an Arduino MEGA with a Matlab user interface. After an introduction into cell signaling, the thesis describes how the chip is build up from two silicon wafers and one glass wafer, and explores novel assembly methods like SU-8 wafer bonding and the use of apertures.

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