microfluidics_icon

Scientific Facility for Microfabrication and Microfluidics

µFlu CF

Technologies

µFlu CF supports researchers from the start by providing input on project design, production of microfluidic chips, and conducting experiments in its S1 and S2 Biosafety laboratories. The facility also offers an introduction to the microfluidic workflow, including the handling and usage of microfluidic chips. These tasks can be carried out at the facility either independently or under supervision. The facility has several instruments used for fabricating microfluidic devices ranging from 5 µm to 3 mm with different techniques. The focus is not only on the generation of PDMS-based microfluidic chips but also on the application of nested glass capillary-based devices and 3D-printed devices and structures.

Droplet-based Microfluidics

Droplet-based microfluidics is a big sub topic in microfluidics. Water-in-Oil droplets or micrometer-sized Oil-in-Water droplets can be produced on chip or by means of glass-capillary nested devices. Water-in-oil droplets are widely used to encapsulate any wanted cargo which can then be analyzed in small compartments. The droplets find applications in single cell sequencing, antibody screening, cell-cell interactions and many more because the content is restricted to the droplet size and not diluted in a bigger volume. This also allows the study of single cells without interference of surrounding cells. Another application of droplet-based microfluidics is for the production of e.g.: beads or capsules consisting of proteins and/or hydrogels. Within the µFlu CF, we prepare the microfluidic chip with the appropriate design, tailored to the project needs of the user. We further offer guidance and help in the generation process of such droplets. Further, we also generate oil-in-water droplets, which are handed to the user to be used for further experiments. 

Microfabrication of Devices for cell migration

We offer fabrication services for the study of cell migration through narrow channels. Using photolithography we are able to generate paths and obstacles for cells to migrate through, around or even above. The channels and reservoirs can be altered in shape, geometry and dimensions, adjusting to the needs of the experiment, making microchannels a powerful tool for cell analysis. Besides cell migration, these structures can also be used to investigate cell-cell communication, drug treatment or other relevant questions.

Real-Time Deformation Cytometry

The µFlu CF has access to a real-time deformation cytometer. This instrument allows for the fast and high-throughput stiffness analysis of single cells. By using narrow microfluidic channels (purchased from Zellmechanik Dresden), cells are deformed by the flow in the surrounding. Based on this deformation, the stiffness is calculated and displayed.

Organ-on-Chip techniques (under development)

Given the importance of Organ-on-Chip technologies we are currently working on the fabrication of such chip systems. Combining 3D printing and lithography we are trying different methods to achieve the best result. This technique is not yet completely established within the µFluCF, nevertheless we are open for collaborations and production of such chip systems if this is of importance for projects. Please do not hesitate in contacting us in this demand.

Continuous Flow Experiments

We also offer Microfluidic devices, for the implementation of continuous flow experiments. As examples three different services for continuous flow techniques are described here: On-chip particle sorting, gradient on-chip, and lipidnanoparticle (LNP) generation.

On-chip particle sorting

Using a spiral chip, it is possible to introduce differently sized beads in the sample inlet and in parallel a sheath flow which forces the particles to separate over multiple rounds through the spiral. The separated particles are collected over single outlets at the end of the chip. 

Gradient on-chip

Besides fast flow microfluidic experiments, we can also make use of the laminar flow regime at lower flow rates. Combining this with a specific geometry it is possible to generate very precise gradients on a chip. There are many possibilities for generating gradients on-chip, the best design options will be determined with the users in project-specific meetings.

Lipidnanoparticles (LNPs)

It is also possible to generate LNPs by using microfluidics. By mixing two phases in a controlled manner, we can produce either empty or loaded LNPs, depending on the cargo loaded in one of the continuous phases. 

Equipment​

The facility offers the following microfluidic-chip production and validation equipment as well as microfluidics equipment. 

  • 3D Printer (microArch S140)
  • Pressure-based Flow System (Elveflow)
  • Syringe Pumps (Infustek)
  • Microscope Axiovert A1 (Zeiss)
  • Microscope Axiolab 5 (Zeiss)
  • High-Speed Camera MiniUX50 (Photron)
  • CutterPlotter CE7000 (GraphTec)
  • Ultra Turrax Emulsifier (IKA)
  • HMDS Oven (Zeno Boldor)
  • Micropipette Puller and Microforge (WPI)
  • Maskless Aligner (Heidelberg Instruments)
  • Spincoater (Laurell)
  • Profilometer Profilm 3D (Filmetrics)
  • Lasercutter (Novograph)
  • Plasma System GIGAbatch 310M (TePla)

How to get started

If you are interested in utilizing our services, please contact us directly. We can discuss the various methodologies that are available for your project and determine the best technology to meet your specific needs. Each methodology has its own advantages, schedule a meeting to discuss your project and we will help you choose the most suitable technology for the successful completion of your project.

Contact

Dr. Sadaf Pashapour

Head of the µFlu CF and Project leader
IMSEAM
Heidelberg University
Im Neuenheimer Feld 225 (INF 225)
69120 Heidelberg

E-Mail: microfluidics[at]imseam.uni-heidelberg.de

Phone: +49 6221 54 15726