UC Irvine

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has become an extremely powerful tool for biological and cell studies. Modified AFM probes have been designed to inject biomolecules (DNA, proteins, etc.) into living cells or extract target biomolecules expressed inside the cells. However, the need for statistically significant sample sizes makes data collection an extremely lengthy process. A complementary microfluidic device can decrease data collection time by flowing cells passed the probe tip and immobilizing them while the probe investigates or manipulates the cell. Microfluidic devices generally do not permit physical access to channels and the ability to add or remove material is restricted to designated inlets and outlets, endpoints in microfluidic devices. True open-access microfluidics suffers from low pressure and flow rate limitations and an inability to integrate multiple modules. This research demonstrates a microfluidic device which can encapsulate cells within droplets, immobilize droplets, and release droplets to collect and analyze. Sealing the device with a thin film of PDMS provides the liberty for a probe to inject, extract, or inspect material from any portion of the channels while providing a barrier to confine the fluid to within the channels during device operation.