Loading...
Microplates based on liquid bridges between glass rods
Cheong, Brandon Huey-Ping Lye, Jonathan Kok Keung Backhous, Scott Liew, Oi Wah Ng, Tuck Wah
Cheong, Brandon Huey-Ping
Lye, Jonathan Kok Keung
Backhous, Scott
Liew, Oi Wah
Ng, Tuck Wah
Abstract
Microplating that (i) does not necessitate complex or precise machinery to dispense small liquid volumes, (ii) enables fluorescent optical diagnosis, and (iii) permits simple analyte mixing mechanically is desirable. We advance here a novel approach that employs the formation of a liquid bridge held in place by capillary forces between glass rod tubes located parallel to each other. Experimental investigations made on liquid filling characteristics show conformance to theoretical notions. Analytical development showed the presence of regions of minimal uncertainty in the cross-sectional area of the liquid body arising from variations in the contact angle which permit consistent fluorescence measurements. Cyclical translation of the rods relative to each other, which cause rupture and reattachment of the liquid bridge, was found to engender good mixing. Strong linear trends were found in fluorescence signals relative to EGFP fluorophore concentration using standard and optical fiber (which offer targeted) excitation illumination. The open nature of liquid handling in the approach reported here and the positive results obtained portend the ability for development as integrated lab-on-a-chip devices.
Keywords
liquid bridge, microplate, cylinders, capillaries, mixing, fluorescence
Date
2013
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Book
Volume
397
Issue
Page Range
177-184
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled