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. 2012 Apr 3;6(2):024102–024102-14. doi: 10.1063/1.3699971

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Hydrodynamic embryo trapping array. (a) 2D computer-assisted design (CAD) drawing outlining the geometry of the device for trapping and immobilization of large metazoan embryos created using laser fabrication technique as described. Note the array of 48 traps interconnected with an array of 48 cross-flow suction channels. Blue arrows denote the direction of fluid flow. R—denotes the numbering of consecutive trapping rows; T—denotes the numbering of consecutive traps. (b) Magnified CAD drawing of the device section as shown by red circle in (a). Note the direction of the main flow and cross-flow across the traps thanks to the presence of interconnection suction channels. (c) 3D streamlines of fluid colored by flow velocity (m/s) obtained by computational fluid dynamic simulations for the initial two trapping rows (R1 and R2). Perfusion was simulated at a volumetric flow rate of 1 ml/min. Note a considerable flow passing through the suction channels. This phenomenon allows for robust immobilization of the embryos inside the traps and also efficient drug delivery and exchange. (d) Complete PDMS device for a one-step loading, trapping, and immobilization of large metazoan embryos (ca. 1.2 mm in diameter). Note large number of zebrafish embryos immobilized on a chip. (e) Magnified microphotograph of the section as shown in (d). Main channel, embryo trap, and interconnecting suction channels are clearly visible. Note the good representation of the features in PDMS following replica moulding on laser machined PMMA mold. Blue arrows denote the direction of fluid flow inside the device. (f) A 3D cartoon showing the embryo trapping principles: 1—embryo is aspirated from the storage vessel and injected into the main channel, 2-3—pressure difference across the trap guides the embryo into the trap, 4—next embryo is introduced and rolls on the previous one towards the next available trap, and 5-6—the process is repeated till all the traps are filled with embryos, while the hydrodynamic forces keep embryos securely docked for the duration of experiments. Blue arrows denote the direction of fluid flow and embryo movements.