1 Dept. of Chemical Eng., Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
2 Dept. of Electrical and Computer Eng., Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65401, USA
E-mail: sad54@mst.edu
It is very important to know the dependence of plant cells on different nutrients such as oxygen, pH, potassium or nitrate ions, etc. Therefore we are aiming at preparing a small fluidic device which can create a spatial gradient of these ions and through which we can evaluate the effect of these ion gradients on plant cells.
In this study we are presently aiming at creating a spatial oxygen gradient. The method employs the usage of permeable membranes such as PDMS (permeable to oxygen) which help in creating the gradient. The proposed sensor consists of a water/gas channel which is formed by the process of photolithography. (Negative photoresist-SU8). Highly saturated oxygen gas or oxygen depleted air is being sent through this channel. Above the channel, the permeable membrane is placed and then the cells are placed in their culture media (agar gel). As a result, a linear oxygen gradient is expected. These microfluidic devices also help in creating spatial gradients of different other ions which play a major role in plant growth.