Microfluidic Traps
Microfluidic Traps - Related Videos
10:13
A Microfluidic-based Hydrodynamic Trap for Single Particles
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Cited by 14 •
2011
In this article, we present a microfluidic-based method for particle confinement based on hydrodynamic flow. We demonstrate stable particle trapping at a fluid stagnation point using a feedback control mechanism, thereby enabling confinement and micromanipulation of arbitrary particles in an integrated microdevice.
09:34
Microfluidic Pneumatic Cages: A Novel Approach for In-chip Crystal Trapping, Manipulation and Controlled Chemical Treatment
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Cited by 6 •
2016
Herein, we describe the fabrication and operation of a double-layer microfluidic system made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). We demonstrate the potential of this device for trapping, directing the coordination pathway of a crystalline molecular material and controlling chemical reactions onto on-chip trapped structures.
10:35
Studies of Bacterial Chemotaxis Using Microfluidics - Interview
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Cited by 1 •
2007
13:39
Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles
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Cited by 7 •
2013
The following setup approach details low power optical trapping of dielectric nanoparticles using a double-nanohole in metal film.
10:18
Multi-step Variable Height Photolithography for Valved Multilayer Microfluidic Devices
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Cited by 24 •
2017
Multilayer microfluidic devices often involve the fabrication of master molds with complex geometries for functionality. This article presents a complete protocol for multi-step photolithography with valves and variable height features tunable to any application. As a demonstration, we fabricate a microfluidic droplet generator capable of producing hydrogel beads.
FAQs
Capture depends on how microscale features redirect and balance forces produced by the flowing fluid. Constrictions, obstacles, and other geometric structures can hold selected objects at defined locations when hydrodynamic forces favor retention rather than continued transport. Designing these features therefore affects which objects remain immobilized and how consistently they can be positioned for biological measurements.
Constrictions and obstacles create localized physical conditions that help retain cells, microorganisms, or other particles inside a channel. Their placement and dimensions determine where an object becomes immobilized within the flow, allowing researchers to examine it at a stable location. This controlled positioning supports measurements that would be difficult when biological specimens move freely through a fluid.
Microfluidic Traps manipulate specimens within flowing fluids instead of relying on bulk centrifugation or manual handling. This distinction enables researchers to isolate or position objects in smaller, more controlled environments while reducing broad sample processing. The approach is especially useful when experiments require observation of individual cells, localized conditions, or differences among members of a heterogeneous population.
The channel design, the type of trapping feature, and the hydrodynamic conditions all influence whether specimens remain stably positioned and accessible for analysis. These factors also affect control over chemical and mechanical conditions at the microscale. A suitable setup can therefore support consistent imaging, viability measurements, or interaction studies while preserving the focus on selected biological objects.
A study generally requires introducing the biological sample into a fluidic channel, allowing the flow and microscale features to position selected objects, and then analyzing them while they remain localized. Depending on the experiment, researchers can image individual cells, measure viability, examine cell-cell interactions, or maintain localized culture conditions. The workflow avoids repeated manual repositioning during observation.
Researchers use these systems when they need to observe or measure individual cells rather than only population-level averages. Trapping supports single-cell imaging and viability measurements, making it possible to examine variation within heterogeneous populations. The same controlled positioning can also help evaluate localized biological responses, including differences relevant to drug-response assays or diagnostic development.
By holding biological objects at defined microscale locations, the system can bring cells into controlled spatial relationships or maintain them within localized culture environments. Researchers can then examine interactions under specified chemical and mechanical conditions rather than relying on uncontrolled movement in a larger volume. This makes the approach useful for studying how neighboring cells behave and respond.
Small volumes reduce reagent consumption while allowing researchers to control chemical and mechanical conditions more precisely around selected specimens. That combination can make assays more efficient and focused, particularly when samples or reagents are limited. In biology, these properties support diagnostic assay development and drug-response studies that need measurements from individual cells or heterogeneous populations.