The MicCell system from our partner GeSim is a modular and versatile system to create individual PDMS microchannel setups and run own rapid prototyping experiments under the microscope. Its fluidic system is made of PDMS elastomer (silicone) – precast microchannel layers can be bought (called PDMS Channel Plates) or they can be self-made at user side with a special casting station. The system is easy to use, and it the entire periphery can be reused with new microfluidic channel designs. Items needed for the new microfluidic design are a new master and PDMS solution. The modularity of the system allows to start with a small setup (also using existing syringe pumps) and grow bigger as required. Standard MicCells can be purchased in the sizes 22 mm x 22 mm and 25 mm x 75 mm; special designs (e. g. with microelectrodes) are available on request.
PDMS Channel Plate Flow Cells (precast, ready to use)
The Channel Plate (CP) is a precast silicone gel layer that comes with a polycarbonate body (lid) containing all necessary threaded holes so that it is ready to use. The channel is closed by a coverslip (that can be plain or equipped with a microarray, nanostructures, cultured cells, etc.). The use of the system is simple: Add tubes, insert the Channel Plate into the MicCell support, and place it in an inverted microscope. Plasma activation of the PDMS to seal the channel is usually not necessary. Different channel shapes are available; the S-shape, for instance, is an unbranched channel running from one corner to the other, for shear stress or other experiments. Other designs are available on request. The polycarbonate (PC) body above the PDMS Channel Plate that contains all fluidic connections can be
recycled.
Accessories for the PDMS Channel Plate
With these products individual flow cells can be cast. The casting station comes with an overview on the technology, detailed hands-on instructions, PC-bodies, channel spacers and one liter of Sylgard 184 two-component PDMS solution (base and curing agent); a microstructured master for molding must be ordered separately. You also need single-use glassware and syringes with needles to prepare and inject the PDMS mixture, a pump and desiccator for degassing, and an oven for curing. An initial set of mixing glasses, syringes and needles is included in the box.