Title: FPGA-based bio-cybernetic automation system for lab-on-a-chip zebrafish embryo arrays

Authors: Kevin I-Kai Wang; Johnny Yeh; Zoran Salcic; Jin Akagi; Donald Wlodkowic

Addresses: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand ' Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, New Zealand ' School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, 5F, Bldg. 301, Auckland 1142, New Zealand ' The OpenTech Factory, School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Building 223, Level 1, Room 32A, Plenty Road, P.O. Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia

Abstract: Zebrafish embryo is a popular model organism for in-situ toxicology analysis. It offers advantages over traditional bioassays by allowing visualisation of developing tissues and organs in response to chemical treatment. Over recent years, lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technology was introduced to handle zebrafish embryos in large quantities and to improve the throughput of in-situ experiments. Chip-based microfluidic devices offer flexible platforms for trapping and observing embryos, as well as allowing small quantity chemical treatment. However, experiment procedures remain laborious and require constant operator attention without a fully automated system. In this paper, a novel field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based bio-cybernetic system, that works with LoC devices for handling zebrafish embryos, controlling chemical perfusion, and acquiring image data periodically, is described. The developed system is capable of handling up to 100 embryos in a single experiment. The functionalities have been tested by performing multiple time lapse experiments of up to 72 hours.

Keywords: LoC; lab-on-a-chip; MEMS; microelectromechanical systems; BCS; biocybernetic systems; FPGA; field programmable gate arrays; zebrafish embryo arrays; toxicology analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISTA.2014.059298

International Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications, 2014 Vol.13 No.1/2, pp.17 - 36

Published online: 13 Jul 2014 *

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