FIG. 1.

Design of a microfluidic chip-based device for behavioural studies on planktonic micro-invertebrates. (a) 3D CAD rendering illustrating main components of the device. Dimensions: i = 50 μm, ii = 300 μm, iii = 2.9 mm, and iv = 80 μm. (b) A scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicting the magnified view of structures restricting animal movements within the caging chamber. The device was fabricated in PDMS using standard photo- and soft-lithography microfabrication protocols. (c) A custom designed laser-cut in acrylic holder that accommodates six PDMS chip-based devices and provides efficient fluidic interconnects as well as integrated light diffuser. (d) A micrograph depicting six microfluidic chips imaged simultaneously by the video-imaging system. The black region is a non-transparent acrylic cover that prevents the stray backlight to reach the camera sensor. Chip based devices were filled with a Trypan blue dye for clarity of presentation.