Mainstreaming microfluidic microbial fuel cells: a biocompatible membrane grown improves performance and versatility.

A recent trend in microfluidic microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is to exclude a separation membrane, instead, relying on the physics of laminar flow to maintain isolation between anode and cathode compartments. To avoid solution crossover, the electrodes may be separated by distances of several millimeters, but this negatively affects the internal resistance and undermines a prime advantage of microscale MFCs. Therefore, we propose a facile method for synthesis of a micromembrane that supports sub-millimeter electrode spacing.

Linear Scanning ATR-FTIR for Chemical Mapping and High-Throughput Studies of Pseudomonas sp. Biofilms in Microfluidic Channels.

A fully automated linear scanning attenuated total reflection (ATR) accessory is presented for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The approach is based on the accurate displacement of a multibounce ATR crystal relative to a stationary infrared beam. To ensure accurate positioning and to provide a second sample characterization mode, a custom-built microscope was integrated into the system and the computerized work flow.

Microfluidic bioanalytical flow cells for biofilm studies: a review.

Bacterial biofilms are among the oldest and most prevalent multicellular life forms on Earth and are increasingly relevant in research areas related to industrial fouling, medicine and biotechnology. The main hurdles to obtaining definitive experimental results include time-varying biofilm properties, structural and chemical heterogeneity, and especially their strong sensitivity to environmental cues. Therefore, in addition to judicious choice of measurement tools, a well-designed biofilm study requires strict control over experimental conditions, more so than most chemical studies.

Electrochemical imaging for microfluidics: a full-system approach.

Electrochemistry is developed as a new chemical imaging modality for microfluidics. The technique is based on multipoint voltammetry using an embedded 20 × 10 miniature electrode array implemented on a customized printed circuit board. Electrode durability was enhanced by chemical modification of the electrode surfaces, which enabled continuous, stable use for over 2 months.