Microfluidic flow cells
Pipette demonstration
Over the summer, I interned at the Keck Graduate Institute’s Aran Lab which specializes in developing diagnostic biosensor chips that can detect trace amounts of any protein or viral particle. My role as an Engineering Intern put me in charge of designing low-cost microfluidic flow cells that could facilitate mass-testing of chips, creating a QA database website using Bootstrap and SQL, and running CAD and CFD workshops for the Undergraduate Medical Device Bootcamp. We pitched these microfluidic devices to Cardea Bio Inc., the producer of the biosensor chips, and they expressed interest in mass-producing our attachment for future use in testing their biosensors.
Initial Design
Flow cell features
Our initial design utilized angled pipette inlets and air outlets, which later proved to be not user-friendly. We also used interlocking dovetail systems to keep multiple attachments and sensors together while testing large assays. However, this caused accuracy issues. The buffer solution also got stuck easily on the unfilleted edges of the top chamber.
New flow cell design
Cross section view of device
In our new design, we implemented vertical inlets instead of angled ones, and instead, included angled pathways for continued flow. We also filleted the top chambers and got rid of the dovetail features.
Final Designs
Flow cell on biosensor
