Injection molded chips with integrated conducting polymer electrodes for electroporation of cells

• Published in: Journal of micromechanics and microengineering Vol. 20; no. 5; p. 055010
• Main Authors: Andresen, Kristian Ødegaard, Hansen, Morten, Matschuk, Maria, Jepsen, Søren Terpager, Sørensen, Henrik Schiøtt, Utko, Pawel, Selmeczi, Dávid, Hansen, Thomas S, Larsen, Niels B, Rozlosnik, Noemi, Taboryski, Rafael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.05.2010; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Applied fluid mechanics; Applied sciences; Conducting polymers; Constrictions; Devices; Electrodes; Electroporation; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fluidics; Focusing; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Injection molding; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Mechanical instruments, equipment and techniques; Micromechanical devices and systems; Physics; Precision engineering, watch making; Trains; Conducting polymers; Low voltage; Pipe flow; Focusing; Cell biology; Injection molding; Electrical conduction; Electroporation; Man; Microfluidics; Fluidics; Contact thermal resistance
• ISSN: 0960-1317; 1361-6439
• DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/20/5/055010

We present the design-concept for an all polymer injection molded single use microfluidic device. The fabricated devices comprise integrated conducting polymer electrodes and Luer fitting ports to allow for liquid and electrical access. A case study of low voltage electroporation of biological cells in suspension is presented. The working principle of the electroporation device is based on a focusing of the electric field by means of a constriction in the flow channel for the cells. We demonstrate the use of AC voltage for electroporation by applying a 1 kHz, plus or minus 50 V square pulse train to the electrodes and show delivery of polynucleotide fluorescent dye in 46% of human acute monocytic leukemia cells passing the constriction.