Daniel:Notebook/ComboLock/2016-3-11
Droplet/Polymerization Test
Today Andrew and I tried out a new setup for the microfludic device. Here is an image of the new setup:
The setup allows us to use reagent reservoirs without much loss. This also keeps air bubbles from the lines, and helps with the problem of fouling that occurs when air gets into the device. The setup uses a syringe as the reservoir, and plugs the top with a rubber stopper. Air is introduced by a needle poked through the top.
Protocol 1-APS/TEMED
First we tested the drop seq device using APS/TEMED initiaors. We have only two regulators, so the aqueous lines received the same pressure and the oil line received a different pressure. We loaded ~1 mL of APS/TEMED in line 2, ~1 mL of Acylamide/Bis in line 3, and ~1 mL of oil in line 1 (Design specs for Drop Seq Device). These are considerably higher volumes than we will probably use with samples (~10 uL), but it allows for greater experiment time for testing. Everything was kept at room temperature.
Pressures:
- Aqueous: 2 psi
- Oil: 3 psi
Results
Protocol 2-VA-044
Next we tried to do the experiment with the VA-044 thermal initiator. Since we are unsure of polymerization temperature with VA-044 we did our best to keep the experiment on ice. As expected, the pressures were much higher, especially in the oil, since viscosity increases with decreasing temperature.