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Microfluidic Chip Calorimeters for Biological Applications

Citation

Lee, Wonhee (2008) Microfluidic Chip Calorimeters for Biological Applications. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/W8E0-4W22. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05282008-103138

Abstract

The usage of calorimeters is limited due to its long measurement time and large sample consumption, despite its many advantages including universal applicability and simple sample preparation. Miniaturization of calorimeters not only resolves these problems, it also enables high-throughput measurements with array operations. We have developed microfluidic chip calorimeters with high sensitivity and reliable microfluidics-based sample handling. Immense sensitivity improvements are attained through reduction of the thermal conductance via on-chip vacuum insulation. This is enabled by Parylene thin-film microfluidic systems. Polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic systems, combined with the Parylene microfluidic system, gives easy and accurate control of picoliter-scale sample volume in a manner that is easily scalable to large, complex systems. Two device classes have been realized.

Heat conduction calorimeters for biochemical reactions with 3.5 nL sample volume were built and validated by measurements of the heat of mixing and of enzyme activity. The thermal conductance of these devices was 15.5 µW/K and their power sensitivity was 4.2 nW. These devices can be built as calorimetric arrays to enable high-throughput heat of reaction measurements upon libraries of biomolecular interactions.

Flow calorimeters were designed for sensor applications and measurements of cellular metabolism. The thermal conductance of these devices was 4.7 µW/K and their power sensitivity was 1.5 nW. Further reduction of thermal conductance and optimal thermocouple materials will deliver sensitivity of order ~1 pW, which will enable real-time measurement of single cell metabolism.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Biosensor; Calorimeter; Microfluidics; Parylene
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Applied Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Roukes, Michael Lee
Thesis Committee:
  • Roukes, Michael Lee (chair)
  • Guo, Chin-Lin
  • Elowitz, Michael B.
  • Phillips, Robert B.
Defense Date:19 May 2008
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-05282008-103138
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-05282008-103138
DOI:10.7907/W8E0-4W22
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Lee, Wonhee0000-0003-0119-4372
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:5209
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:02 Jun 2008
Last Modified:28 Jan 2020 23:07

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