Isolation and extraction of target microbes for bio-microlaboratory

We developed a novel screening system for random separation of target microorganisms from the randomly suspended samples in the microchamber by using a local viscosity control. A sol-gel transformation material is mixed with the sample liquid and we controlled the state from sol to gel and gel to sol reversibly based on the temperature change controlled by heating of the microelectrode with the electric current and laser irradiation near the target. The selected microorganisms are fixed on the bottom plate of the microchamber by the gel, since the viscosity around the target is increased by the local heating by the focused laser beam. The other objects are suspended in the microchamber and they are easily removed by the cleaning flow in the microchamber. The process of retaining, cleaning and extraction of the target microbe was possible in a very short time. Basic experiment result of fixation and extraction of the targets and system integration methods are reported.