Microfluidic chemostat and turbidostat with flow rate, oxygen, and temperature control for dynamic continuous culture.

TitleMicrofluidic chemostat and turbidostat with flow rate, oxygen, and temperature control for dynamic continuous culture.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsLee, KS, Boccazzi, P, Sinskey, AJ, Ram, RJ
JournalLab Chip
Volume11
Issue10
Pagination1730-9
Date Published2011 May 21
ISSN1473-0189
KeywordsCell Culture Techniques, Dimethylpolysiloxanes, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Microfluidic Analytical Techniques, Oxygen, Temperature
Abstract

This work reports on an instrument capable of supporting automated microscale continuous culture experiments. The instrument consists of a plastic-PDMS device capable of continuous flow without volume drift or evaporation. We apply direct computer controlled machining and chemical bonding fabrication for production of fluidic devices with a 1 mL working volume, high oxygen transfer rate (k(L)a≈0.025 s(-1)), fast mixing (2 s), accurate flow control (±18 nL), and closed loop control over temperature, cell density, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Integrated peristaltic pumps and valves provide control over input concentrations and allow the system to perform different types of cell culture on a single device, such as batch, chemostat, and turbidostat continuous cultures. Continuous cultures are demonstrated without contamination for 3 weeks in a single device and both steady state and dynamically controlled conditions are possible.

DOI10.1039/c1lc20019d
Alternate JournalLab Chip
Citation Key241
PubMed ID21445442