Project Objectives
High Priority Objectives
Develop and test a pick and place mechanism that can remove memory T lymphocytes from 30x30 micron square wells and place the cell into a micro titer well (3mm diameter).
Testing:
Micro-pipette
Para-magnetic beads with a magnetic pick and place tool.
Capillary tubes
Hydrophilic pick and place tool.
Develop rigid linear actuator for the Z axis where the pick and place mechanism will be mounted. The actuation must have minimal run out in the X and Y directions.
Second Priority Objectives
Sterilization of the pick and place mechanism.
Image analysis to fully automate process
Other Constraints and Issues
Will the cell be fully removed from the well and can the entire cell be placed into the micro titer well
WOW Design Solution
A pick and place mechanism that can be mounted to the microscope that Dr. Matt Strain uses in his research laboratory.
Risk Reduction Strategy
Develop a manual testing stage to test various pick and place methods
Pragmatically assess the pros and cons of each method.
Intermediate Milestones
Testing of methods and the progress made thus far:
Pipetteing
Obtained piezo pipette; requires a tip to be molded to the end such that it can fit into the microarray well.
Ordered sample tips ranging from 5-50 microns ID.
Capillary
Sample tips for pipetting can be used as capillary tubes
Paramagnetic method
Obtaining rare earth magnetic powder.
Magnetic tip can be created by pumping a mixture of epoxy or PDMS with magnetic powder into one of the pipette tips.
Hydrophilic
If time, or if the other methods are not effective this method will be tested.