Photoactivated Selective Release (PHASR) of Droplets from Microwell Arrays

A photoresponsive polymer layer that can be integrated into microfluidic devices for selective release of unique droplets
Problem:
Droplet microfluidics are used for single molecule detection and analysis, such as isolation of protein biomarkers for monitoring of disease progression. Current techniques for recovering unique molecules or cells from droplet microfluidic device studies are complex and cumbersome, not allowing for monitoring or diagnosis of multiple conditions. Manipulation of individual droplets is extremely important as it enables multiplexed high dimensional phenotyping of the targets, going beyond surface phenotyping.
Solution:
This technology is an optically transparent, photoresponsive polymer layer within existing droplet microfluidic devices allows for monitoring of real time events and recovery of unique analytes or cells for further analysis.
Technology:
A static microdoplet array that utilizes U-shaped traps to arbitrarily capture flowing droplets while the exhaust channels ensure single droplet capture and retention and serve as release channels for recovery of the captured droplets. This is a simple, yet highly effective droplet capture system that is capable of capturing and releasing hundreds of droplets. The microarray can be functionalized by the inclusion of hydrogel that are photoresponsive which will allow capture and release of target microdroplets.
Advantages:
Unique ability to manage on an individual basis a microdroplet for management and analysis from a larger system. Currently, the team can manipulate on an individual basis 1 of 40,000 droplets.
Stage of Development:

Bench Prototype

PHASR device overview. (A) Droplet static array formation by density difference. The higher density of the oil phase drives trapping of aqueous droplets in wells. (B) NIR-laser-based selective puncture of the photoresponsive layer and selective recovery of droplets through the top flow channel. (C) NIR-laser-based selective heating/bubble-generation and selective recovery of droplets through the bottom trap channel.
Intellectual Property: