Generation of stable complex gradients across two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional gels

Bobak Mosadegh, Carlos Huango, Jeong Won Park, Hwa Sung Shin, Bong Geun Chung, Sun Kyu Hwang, Kun Hong Lee, Hyung Joon Kim, James Brody, Noo Li Jeon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many chemical and biological processes are dependent on molecular gradients. We describe a new microfluidic approach that can be used to produce spatiotemporal gradients across two-dimensional surfaces and three-dimensional gels under flow-free conditions. Free diffusion between dynamically replenished flow channels acting as a sink and source is utilized to give rise to stable steady-state gradient profiles. The gradient profile is dictated by the engineered design of the device's gradient-generating region. Different designs can yield both linear and non-linear gradients of varying profiles. More complex gradients can be made by juxtaposing different designs within a single gradient-generating region. By fabricating an array of designs along the gradient-generating region, different gradient profiles can be generated simultaneously, allowing for parallel analysis. Additionally, simple methods of localizing gels into microdevices are demonstrated. The device was characterized by experimentally obtained gradient profiles of fluorescent molecules that corroborated closely with a simulated finite element model.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10910-10912
Number of pages3
JournalLangmuir
Volume23
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 23 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Spectroscopy
  • Electrochemistry

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