Abstract
The design and fabrication process of microfluidics for chromosome transportation and manipulation are described. Micro-channels for fluid networks could be built on single-crystal silicon substrates by anisotropic wet etching. After injection of a chromosome-containing buffer solution into the channels by a mechanical pump, chromosome electrophoresis was carried out for its precise transportation. The behavior of chromosomes placed in direct (DC) and alternating (AC) electric fields is explained in detail. The frequency and size dependent amplitude of the chromosome observed in this study showed the existence of inertial hydrodynamic effects in an oscillatory motion. Using a rotating AC electric field, chromosomes could be rotated due to the induced polarization of surface charge and electric double layer of the chromosomes. This study thus shows the possibility of chromosome engineering on microchips, which is expected to enable the development of new devices for chromosome research.
