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Generation of an accessible and versatile hypoxia chamber

Project Overview

Understanding the impact of hypoxic stress on the behavior of cells transplanted to the heart following ischemic injury can be achieved by mimicking facets of the in vivo environment in an in vitro system. Control of oxygen levels in cell culture has traditionally be achieved using large hypoxia chambers at one concentration at a time. Microfluidic devices have been proposed to improve accessibility, versatility, and to generate overall function of hypoxic environments. The goal of this project is to design and produce a microfluidic-based hypoxia chamber to facilitate experimental investigations involving oxidative stress, ischemia, and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediate cellular pathways. Previous semester’s work on this design project produced a functioning microfluidic-based hypoxia chamber. This semester’s work will focus on developing a means to accurately monitor and detect the varying oxygen concentrations and gradients present in the chamber.

Team Picture

Figure 1. Team members from left to right: Matthew Zanotelli, Karl Kabarowski, Evan Lange, Chelsea Bledsoe
Figure 1. Team members from left to right: Matthew Zanotelli, Karl Kabarowski, Evan Lange, Chelsea Bledsoe

Images

Figure 3. An image of the master for microfluidic device manufactured using soft lithography by the BME 301 Design Team (Spring 2012). Our oxygen detection mechanism is designed to work with this device. The vertical channels on each side are for oxygen and nitrogen flow. The horizontal channels hold cells and will experience the oxygen gradient created by the device.
Figure 3. An image of the master for microfluidic device manufactured using soft lithography by the BME 301 Design Team (Spring 2012). Our oxygen detection mechanism is designed to work with this device. The vertical channels on each side are for oxygen and nitrogen flow. The horizontal channels hold cells and will experience the oxygen gradient created by the device.
Figure 2. Conceptual Diagram of the final design. Luminescent detection material (PdOEPK or PtOEPK) is encapsulated in a polystyrene thin-film sensor. This is placed under the microfluidic device containing the channels, and the inflow of nitrogen and oxygen gas produce the oxygen gradient inside the device.
Figure 2. Conceptual Diagram of the final design. Luminescent detection material (PdOEPK or PtOEPK) is encapsulated in a polystyrene thin-film sensor. This is placed under the microfluidic device containing the channels, and the inflow of nitrogen and oxygen gas produce the oxygen gradient inside the device.

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Contact Information

Team Members

  • Matthew Zanotelli - Team Leader
  • Chelsea Bledsoe - Communicator
  • Karl Kabarowski - BSAC
  • Evan Lange - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Randolph Ashton - Advisor
  • Prof. Brenda Ogle - Client

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