Biomedical subjects

Aaron R Wheeler

Publications and source records attributed to Aaron R Wheeler.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Electrowetting-based microfluidics for analysis of peptides and proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

A new technique for preparing samples for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is reported. The technique relies on electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) to move droplets containing proteins or peptides and matrix to specific locations on an array of electrodes for analysis. Standard MALDI-MS reagents, analytes, concentrations, and recipes are demonstrated to be compatible with the technique. Mass spectra are comparable to those collected by conventional methods. Nonspecific adsorption of analytes to device surfaces is demonstrated to be negligible. The results suggest that EWOD may be a useful tool for automating sample preparation for high-throughput proteomics and other applications of MALDI-MS.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed2004

Electroosmotic flow in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) channel does not depend on percent curing agent.

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices were prepared from different ratios of "curing agent" (which contains silicon hydride groups) to "base" (which contains vinyl-terminated noncross-linked PDMS), to determine the effect of this ratio on electroosmotic flow (EOF). In fabricating devices for this purpose, a novel method for permanently enclosing PDMS channels was developed. As a supplement to the microfluidic method, the inner walls of capillaries were coated with PDMS formed from varying ratios of curing agent to base. EOF was found to be constant for PDMS formed with each ratio, which implies that the negative surface charges do not arise from chemical species present only in the base or the curing agent.

Dimethylpolysiloxanes↗

PubMed2003

Microfluidic device for single-cell analysis.

We have developed a novel microfluidic device constructed from poly(dimethylsiloxane) using multilayer soft lithography technology for the analysis of single cells. The microfluidic network enables the passive and gentle separation of a single cell from the bulk cell suspension, and integrated valves and pumps enable the precise delivery of nanoliter volumes of reagents to that cell. Various applications are demonstrated, including cell viability assays, ionophore-mediated intracellular Ca2+ flux measurements, and multistep receptor-mediated Ca2+ measurements. These assays, and others, are achieved with significant improvements in reagent consumption, analysis time, and temporal resolution over macroscale alternatives.

Calcium↗

PubMed2003

Flow injection analysis in a microfluidic format.

A microfluidic flow injection analysis system has been designed and evaluated. The system incorporates within a single two-layer poly(dimethylsiloxane) monolith multiple pneumatically driven peristaltic pumps, an injection loop, a mixing column, and a transparent window for fluorescence detection. Central to this device is an injection system that mimics the operation of a standard six-port, two-way valve used in conventional liquid chromatography and flow injection experiments. Analyte and carrier solutions continuously flow through this injection system allowing for measurements and sample changes to be performed rapidly and simultaneously. Injection volumes of 1.25 nL generated peak area reproducibility of better than 3% relative standard deviation. The flow injection device was evaluated with fluorescent dyes and demonstrated a detection limit of 400 zmol for fluorescein. A rudimentary sample selection system allowed calibration curves to be rapidly produced, often in less than 10 min. The hydrolysis of fluorescein diphosphate by alkaline phosphatase demonstrates that chemical assays can be carried out with this device in a manner characterized by short analysis times and low sample consumption.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

PubMed2003

Programmable modification of cell adhesion and zeta potential in silica microchips.

Spatial patterning of thin polyacrylamide films bonded to self-assembled monolayers on silica microchannels is described as a means for manipulating cell-adhesion and electroosmotic properties in microchips. Streaming potential measurements indicate that the zeta potential is reduced by at least two orders of magnitude at biological pH, and the adhesion of several kinds of cells is reduced by 80-100%. Results are shown for cover slides and in wet-etched silica microchannels. Because the polyacrylamide film is thin and transparent, this film is consistent with optical manipulation of cells and detection of cell contents. The spatial patterning technique is straightforward and has the potential to aid on-chip analysis of single adherent cells.

Acrylic Resins↗