Fabrication of an Active PCB-MEMS Microfluidic Chip for CHO Cells Characterization by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Abstract

This paper reports the use of laser ablation for the fabrication of a microfluidic device with integrated electrodes on a printed circuit board (PCB-MEMS). The fabricated novel device has flame retardant (FR)−4 resin as substrate, copper (Cu) as active material, and SU-8 polymer as a structural material. The resolution, repeatability, and simplicity achieved in this approach, along with the low cost of the involved materials and methods, enable an affordable micromachining technique with a rapid fabrication-test cycle to develop active microfluidic systems on a chip. Furthermore, an Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) analysis was performed at different Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell concentrations (105 to 108 cfu ml−1) to validate device assembly and functionality. The electrical properties of the system were characterized and discussed through a proposed equivalent circuit model comprising five passive elements. The model describes ohmic and non-ideal capacitive behavior of the cytoplasm and membrane of the CHO cells as well as the suspending medium and electrical connections of the device. Likewise, two characteristic times associated with relaxation processes caused by a change in the path of charge transport through the cells are determined.

Engagement and Social Impact in Tech-Based Citizen Science Initiatives for Achieving the SDGs: A Systematic Literature Review with a Perspective on Complex Thinking

“…Consequently, the increased availability of low-cost sensors allows their commercialization to reach citizens in ambitious CS projects involving technologies. Some examples of the diverse application of sensing technology at a low cost and in a portable way to analyze species of clinical or environmental interest can be shown in precise electrochemical devices [35], or in the development of lab-on-a-chip devices such as the study of a single cell for diagnostic purposes [36]; the significant effort to carry out the development of sensors also seeks their energy autonomy with green energies, such as the development of thin films of photovoltaic sensors of controlled and affordable manufacturing with electrodeposition techniques [37]. Consequently, the advancement of low-cost sensors allows their commercialization to reach citizens in ambitious CS projects involving technologies.…”

“…Sustainability 2022, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 23 a single cell for diagnostic purposes [36]; the significant effort to carry out the development of sensors also seeks their energy autonomy with green energies, such as the development of thin films of photovoltaic sensors of controlled and affordable manufacturing with electrodeposition techniques [37]. Consequently, the advancement of low-cost sensors allows their commercialization to reach citizens in ambitious CS projects involving technologies.…”