1. Laser direct-write of single microbeads into spatially-ordered patterns.
- Author
-
Phamduy TB, Raof NA, Schiele NR, Yan Z, Corr DT, Huang Y, Xie Y, and Chrisey DB
- Subjects
- Adsorption, Alginates chemistry, Animals, Cell Adhesion, Cell Survival, Embryonic Stem Cells cytology, Glucuronic Acid chemistry, Hexuronic Acids chemistry, Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate chemistry, Mice, Microscopy, Phase-Contrast, Particle Size, Polystyrenes chemistry, Biotechnology methods, Cell Culture Techniques methods, Lasers, Microspheres
- Abstract
Fabrication of heterogeneous microbead patterns on a bead-by-bead basis promotes new opportunities for sensors, lab-on-a-chip technology and cell-culturing systems within the context of customizable constructs. Laser direct-write (LDW) was utilized to target and deposit solid polystyrene and stem cell-laden alginate hydrogel beads into computer-programmed patterns. We successfully demonstrated single-bead printing resolution and fabricated spatially-ordered patterns of microbeads. The probability of successful microbead transfer from the ribbon surface increased from 0 to 80% with decreasing diameter of 600 to 45 µm, respectively. Direct-written microbeads retained spatial pattern registry, even after 10 min of ultrasonication treatment. SEM imaging confirmed immobilization of microbeads. Viability of cells encapsulated in transferred hydrogel microbeads achieved 37 ± 11% immediately after the transfer process, whereas randomly-patterned pipetted control beads achieved a viability of 51 ± 25%. Individual placement of >10 µm diameter microbeads onto planar surfaces has previously been unattainable. We have demonstrated LDW as a valuable tool for the patterning of single, micrometer-diameter beads into spatially-ordered patterns.
- Published
- 2012
- Full Text
- View/download PDF