Micro bubble actuators to enhance DNA hybridization
DNA-based biosensors usually use a DNA probe to detect the presence of target DNA for a specific pathogen. The underlying process in these biosensors relies on DNA hybridization in which one strand of DNA matches up with its complementary strand (target DNA) to form a double-stranded molecule. Thus, hybridization is a key process in a DNA biosensor, and the hybridization kinetics is an important index in this process.
This hybridization process is often limited by a passive diffusion process of the large DNA molecules in the static DNA sample solution. To improve the sensitivity and to lower the response time of the micro DNA biosensor, we design and fabricate an active thermal bubble actuator to enhance the DNA hybridization.
Picture of (a) the packaged micro device, (b) the close-up view of the specially designed
non-uniform micro heater
Micro Bubble actuator (Bubble dynamics video using high speed CCD camera)
Submicron bubble actuator (Bubble dynamics video using high speed CCD camera)
Research Publications
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "An Experimental Study of Heater Size Effect on Micro Bubble Generation," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol.49, No.15-616, pp.2535-2544, 2006.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Two-dimensional Micro Bubble Actuator to Enhance the Efficiency of Molecular Beacon Based DNA Micro Biosensor," Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Vol. 21, No. 8, pp.1443-1450, 2006.
Y.-K. Lee and P. Deng, "Bubble Actuator Enhanced DNA Micro Biosensor," Proceeding of the 2005 IEEE Intl. Conf. on Robotics and Biomimetics (IEEE Robio'05), Hong Kong and Macau, Jun 29-Jul 3, 2005. pp.752-756.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Scaling Effects of Micro Bubble Actuators," IEEE Transducers'05, Seoul, Korea, June 5-9, 2005, Vol. 2, pp.1267-1271.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Measurements of Micro Bubble Nucleation Temperatures in DNA Solution," Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Vol.15, No.3, pp.564-574, 2005.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Micro Bubble Dynamics in DNA Solutions," Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Vol. 14, NO.5, pp.693-701, 2004.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Characterization of an Integrated Self-Sening Submicron Bubble Actuator," Asia-Pacific Conference of Transducers and Micro-Nano Technology (APCOT), Sapporo, Japan, July 4-7, pp.310-315, 2004.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Viscosity Effect on Micro Bubble Actuators in ssDNA Solutions," IEEE MEMS 2004, Maastricht, Netherlands, pp.292-295, Jan 25-29, 2004.
P. Deng, Y.K. Lee, P. Cheng, Micro Single Bubble Generation and Behavior Under Pulse Heating, International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, Vol. 46, No. 21, pp.4041-4050, 2003.
P. Deng, Y.-K. Lee and P. Cheng, "Design and Characterization of A Micro Single Bubble Actuator", Transducer'03 (the 12th Intl. Conf. on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems), Boston, pp.647-650, 2003.
Y.-K. Lee, U.C. Yi, F.G. Tseng, C.J. Kim and C.M. Ho, "Fuel Injection by a Thermal Microinjector," Proceedings of MEMS, ASME International Mechanical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, Nov, pp. 419-425. 1999