In situ fabrication of cross-linked protein membranes by using microfluidics

Greeshma Nair, Joseph F. Gargiuli, N. Raveendran Shiju, Zimei Rong, Evgeniy Shapiro, Dimitris Drikakis, Pankaj Vadgama

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report a novel technique for preparing cross-linked protein membranes within microchannels by using an interfacial cross-linking reaction. Glass microchannels with a Y input were assembled by using a simple adhesive bonding technique to achieve dual, parallel laminar flows. Membrane formation utilised an interfacial reaction at the liquid–liquid interface, which involved bovine serum albumin (aqueous solution with a flow rate of 300 μL min−1) and terephthaloyl chloride (xylene solution with a flow rate of 700 μL min−1), to form thin (∼25 μm) cross-linked films along the length of the channel under the continuous pressure-driven laminar flow. Such microfabricated membranes could extend the separation potential of any microfluidic structure to provide a stable barrier layer. Furthermore, degradation of the membrane was possible by using an alkali sodium dodecyl sulfate solution, which led to the complete disappearance of the membrane. These membranes could facilitate additional modification to allow for different permeability properties by controlled degradation. The one-step in situ membrane-fabrication methodology reported here generated precisely localised membranes and avoided the complexities of subcomponent assembly, which require complicated alignment of small, preformed membranes. This methodology could become the basis for sophisticated microseparation systems, biosensors and several “lab-on-a-chip” devices.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1683-1689
Number of pages7
JournalChembiochem
Volume7
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 Nov 2006

Keywords

  • cross-linking
  • proteins
  • microfluidics
  • membranes
  • interfacial reaction

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'In situ fabrication of cross-linked protein membranes by using microfluidics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this