13. ELECTROPHORETIC MICROCHIPS FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT ASSAYS

Department: Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor(s): Xiaohua Huang | Michael Heller

Primary Student
Name: Kristopher David Barbee
Email: kbarbee@ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-822-4702
Grad Year: 2009

Student Collaborators
Alexander P. Hsiao, a2hsiao@ucsd.edu

Abstract
Many molecular assays are hindered by concentration dependent processes such as diffusion. We aim to overcome these obstacles by developing methods for actively manipulating molecules and particles with an electric field to enhance various processes such as DNA hybridization, protein binding and biochemical reactions. We also aim to develop an electrophoretic microchip for assembling high density arrays of microbeads conjugated with DNA, proteins, and other chemical functionalities. The application of an electric field through a photolithographically defined template within our microfluidic chamber enables precise positioning and rapid assembly of single microbeads. Following the array assembly process, this device can also be used to enhance the various concentration dependent processes of many assays through the accelerated transport of the target molecules under the influence of the electric field. The use of an electric field to manipulate biomolecules and microbeads in a microfluidic environment presents many unique challenges. The most critical of these being the development of a means of protecting these entities from the damaging byproducts of electrolysis and fabrication of a robust surface to which they can be selectively attached. To address these issues, we have developed novel strategies that utilize advanced micro- and nanofabrication techniques and compatible conjugation methodologies.

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