Title :
Micro-sized syringes for single-cell fluidic access integrated on a micro-electrode array CMOS chip
Author :
Huys, Roeland ; Braeken, Dries ; Micholt, Liesbeth ; Jans, Danny ; Stassen, Andim ; Collaert, Nadine ; Loo, Josine ; Bartic, Carmen ; Verstreken, Kris ; Eberle, Wolfgang
Author_Institution :
Bio-Electron. Syst. group, Imec, Leuven, Germany
fDate :
Aug. 30 2011-Sept. 3 2011
Abstract :
Very-large scale integration and micro-machining have enabled the development of novel platforms for advanced and automated examination of cells and tissues in vitro. In this paper, we present a CMOS chip designed in a commercial 0.18 μm technology with integrated micro-syringes combined with micro-nail shaped electrodes and readout electronics. The micro-syringes could be individually addressed by a through-wafer micro-fluidic channel with an inner diameter of 1 μm. We demonstrated the functionality of the micro-fluidic access by diffusion of fluorescent species through the channels. Further, hippocampal neurons were cultured on top of an array of micro-syringes, and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy cross-sections revealed protrusion of the cells inside the channels, creating a strong interface between the membrane and the chip surface. This principle demonstrates a first step towards a novel type of automated in vitro platforms, allowing local delivery of substances to cells or advanced planar patch clamping.
Keywords :
CMOS integrated circuits; bioMEMS; biomedical electrodes; medical supplies; microchannel flow; microelectrodes; readout electronics; CMOS chip; fluorescent species; focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy cross-sections; hippocampal neurons; integrated microsyringes; microelectrode array; micronail shaped electrodes; planar patch clamping; protrusion; readout electronics; single-cell fluidic access; through-wafer microfluidic channel; Arrays; CMOS integrated circuits; Cavity resonators; Cells (biology); Clamps; Electrodes; Neurons; Animals; Cells, Cultured; Fluorescence; Mice; Microelectrodes; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Miniaturization; Neurons; Oxides; Semiconductors; Single-Cell Analysis; Syringes;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC, 2011 Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
Boston, MA
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4244-4121-1
Electronic_ISBN :
1557-170X
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2011.6091885