Characterization of Tensioned PDMS Membranes for Imaging Cytometry on Microraft Arrays.

ABSTRACT: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes can act as sensing elements, barriers, and substrates, yet the low rigidity of the elastomeric membranes can limit their practical use in devices. Microraft arrays rely on a freestanding PDMS membrane as a substrate for cell arrays used in imaging cytometry and cellular isolation. However, the underlying PDMS membrane deforms under the weight of the cell media, making automated analytical microscopy (and thus cytometry and cell isolation) challenging. Here we report the development of microfabrication strategies and physically motivated mathematical modeling of membrane deformation of PDMS microarrays. Microraft arrays were fabricated with mechanical tension stored within the PDMS substrate. These membranes deformed 20× less than that of arrays fabrica

SUBMITTER: DiSalvo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5912951 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature