Fluorescence detection in a micro flow cytometer without on-chip fibers

This paper describes a novel concept of integrated on-chip fiber free laser-induced fluorescence detection system. The poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chip was fabricated using soft lithography and was bonded with a glass substrate of 150 μm thickness that reduced the distance of channel-to-sidewall to less than 180 μm. The cells and particles detection was conducted by an external single fiber close to the glass substrate that transmitted laser light for simultaneous excitation and receipt of the emission light signals. The performance of the proposed device was demonstrated using fluorescence beads, stained white blood cells, and yeast cells. The experimental results showed the simplicity and flexibility of the proposed device configuration which can provide convenient on-chip integration interface for fast, high throughput, and low-cost laser-induced fluorescence detection micro flow cytometer.