Rapid microarray processing using a disposable hybridization chamber with an integrated micropump

Abstract

We present a disposable microarray hybridization chamber with an integrated micropump to speed up diffusion based reaction kinetics by generating convective flow. The time-to-result for the hybridization reaction was reduced from 60 min (standard protocol) down to 15 min for a commercially available microarray. The integrated displacement micropump is pneumatically actuated. It includes two active microvalves and is designed for low-cost, high volume manufacturing. The setup is made out of two microstructured polymer parts realized in polycarbonate (PC) separated by a 25 μm thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) membrane. Pump rate can be controlled between 0.3 μl s(-1) and 5.7 μl s(-1) at actuation frequencies between 0.2 Hz and 8.0 Hz, respectively.