In this paper, we discuss the design and fabrication approach to increase the success rate of single particle dispensing. Two pairs of capacitance sensors are placed in a biochip to detect the flow ...velocity of particles, and the air pressure is applied to eject particles by synchronizing the timing. Comprehensive design theory, which is taken into account of the back pressure caused by air pressure, the response time of the system, sensor property, and the delay of the dispensing from the air pressure, is developed in order to minimize the disturbance of the system and maximize the throughput of the ejection system. Then, the system has capability to eject 3 particles/sec and maximum flow velocity is 10 mm/s. The novelty of the system is that the biochip is disposable which is unlike the conventional mechanical inkjet system and it can prevent contamination. Therefore, the fabricated disposable biochip based on photolithography is low cost and the drive system is reusable. Finally, we succeed in automatic dispensing of a single particle (=100 µm) from a biochip to culture well atmosphere using developed cell ejection system with the success rate of 50 %.
In ILM peeling task, an insertion instrument to be applied was used as an micro-forceps by using artificial ILM mounted in the bionic eye surgery evaluator. In order to measure the vibration ...amplitude of the forceps tip inserted into the eye model, it is necessary to perform image processing by microscope observation or to assess hand vibration by sensing acceleration. As the results, We found clearly difference of time-series data between novice and experienced doctors. The visualization of hand vibration proved to be meaningful.
In this paper, on-chip particle loading and dispensing modules are presented with their results for the automation of a single particle retrieving from a microfluidic channel. Our proposed ...microfluidic chip has several modules. Each one of them has important functions as (a) loading micro-particles singly to main microfluidic flow by the aid of magnetically driven microtools (MMT); (b) finding particle position in a microfluidic channel by micro-capacitance sensors; (c) adjusting micro-channel height locally by pneumatic pressure valve; (d) dispensing particles out from the microfluidic chip to incubation environment. Novelty of this paper is summarized as follows: (1) Multi-photoresist combination technique for the pneumatic pressure valve; (2) Automatic on-chip particle dispensing with micro-capacitance sensors. We showed feasibility of automatic dispensing of a single polystyrene bead (about 100 μm) from the chip to atmosphere. The performances of each module (hybrid structure, sensor and dispensing parts) were evaluated individually. We succeeded in determination of the movement of micro-particles (about 50-100 μm) with the velocity of over 6 mm/sec. by the micro-capacitance sensors. The advantages of the proposed system are that composed of the reusable drive system such as xy motorized stage, pumps and a disposable microfluidic chip.
PDF
