Microfluidic device for three-dimensional electrokinetic manipulation of single fluorescent molecules

ORAL

Abstract

The ability to manipulate and trap single molecules in solution through the application of actively controlled electric fields is a valuable tool for a number of bio-molecular studies of proteins and nucleic acids. Here we report the development of a microfluidic device consisting of four electrodes sputtered onto two glass coverslips and fixed in a tetrahedral arrangement. This geometrical configuration allows for a uniform electric field of any orientation through the application of appropriate voltages. Three-axis control has been demonstrated for micron-sized polystyrene beads and 40 nm fluorescent spheres in phosphate buffered solution. Previous work has characterized planar motion. Recent changes to the experimental setup include the addition of a cylindrical lens in the detection arm to quantify axial position and a National Instruments PCI-7833R to provide precise voltage control. Finally, a real-time tracking algorithm and its use for trapping will be discussed.

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Authors

  • Jason K. King

    Center for Laser Applications University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center of Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute

  • Brian K. Canfield

    Center of Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute

  • Lloyd M. Davis

    Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center for Laser Applications University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center of Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute

  • William H. Hofmeister

    Center of Laser Applications, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, Center for Laser Applications, University of Tennessee Space Institute