Technology Overview

Fluxion’s technology platform is based on application-specific microfluidic designs and bench top control instruments.  Each implementation addresses a specific cell-based assay.  The patented microfluidic device designs are seamlessly integrated with standard well-plate formats, providing ease of use and compatibility with existing fluid handling equipment.

A key feature is the ability to interface to any number of channels simultaneously, which allows accurate control of flow velocities and electric field application throughout the microfluidic network.  At the conclusion of one experiment, a new preloaded device can be connected to the multichannel interface in a matter of seconds.

The devices are produced by micromolding, with molds fabricated using standard photolithography techniques.  Photolithography, a technique adapted from the semiconductor industry, uses the application of high energy photons through predetermined patterns (mask set) to thin layers of photo-sensitive photoresist layers on the mold surface.  Exposure leads to selective cross-linking of the photoresist, and a chemical development step washes away unwanted material.  The resulting features have sub-μm resolution, enabling the manipulation, immobilization, and interrogation of individual cells.  Final device materials are either elastomers (e.g. PDMS) or thermoplastics (e.g. polystyrene), and have thin (<200μm) glass bottoms, resulting in excellent imaging properties.

The high level of flexibility and per experiment cost benefits are enabled by the fact that all active elements (valves, electrodes, imaging, etc) are kept off-chip, with fluidics supplying the critical functionality of the system: accurate flow control, cell manipulation and localized compound application.

For more information on Fluxion's microfluidic interface, please       click here.

 

 

 

A close up view from the bottom of the FluxPlate consumable Microfluidic channels are filled with colored dyes to show the connections between wells of a 96-well plate.

Schematic of Fluxion's Well Plate Fluidics technology.

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