Temperature-Controlled Microfluidic System Incorporating Polymer Tubes

Abstract

Here, we demonstrate a multilayered microfluidic system integrated with commercially available polymer tubes for controlling the temperature of the sample under various static and dynamic conditions. Highly controllable temperature profiles can be produced by modulating the flow rate or inlet temperature of the water passing through the tubes. Customised temperature gradients can be created across the length or width of a channel by mismatching the inlet temperature of the tubes. Temperature cycles can also be produced by repeatedly switching the tubes between hot and cold flasks. Proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate the utility of this system for studying the drug-induced calcium signaling of human monocytes under dynamic thermal conditions. The versatility and simplicity of our system provides opportunities for studying temperature-sensitive chemical, biochemical, and biological samples under various operating conditions.