Optofluidic microdevice for in-vitro laser surgery and transfection involving cells and microorganisms

Abstract

A device for use in laser optical transfection of biological targets including an optofluidic microdevice and a piece of optical glass. The optofluidic microdevice has a central vertical outlet and a microchannel network that includes a plurality of entrapping channels with narrowings. The microchannel network is fused with the optical glass. In one aspect the device is used with a petri dish having an optical window. In another aspect the device is used with a well plate having a plurality of wells and associated optical windows. In a third aspect the device is used with a barrier. Each of the aspects forms a peripheral space around the optofluidic microdevice capable of retaining a live culture of biological targets and material that is desired to be injected into those biological targets. Polymer tubing is inserted into the central vertical outlet which connects the device to an external pump. The external pump provides an inward suction force which draws the biological targets from the peripheral space into the microchannel network. The biological targets are then captured at the openings or within the narrowings in the entrapping channels of the microchannel network where they can be transfected by laser light emitting from a laser through the optical glass.