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Iowa State University researchers have developed a microfluidic device to screen genotype-to-phenotype interactions.

Through an array of miniature greenhouses (MGHs), vertical microfluidic seed chips (MSCs), and microfluidic control logic. The plant growth system can provide maximal environmental flexibility in large- and multi-scale study of plant-environment interactions. Each MGH can flexibly regulate relative humidity (RH), C02 level, and light intensity via controlled microfluidic capillary filling, controlled chemical reaction, and liquid crystal technologies, respectively. The ve1tical MSCs are designed to be sliding chip-like disposable components for use inside the MGHs.  Useful for monitoring plant pathogen interactions, phenotyping of Arapidopsis plants at the whole organism and cellular level.

• High spatial and temporal resolution

• Easy to use, cost effective

• Allows seamless monitoring of both root and shoot phenotypes

• Easily fabricated using conventional soft lithography

High throughput plant phenotype assays at the whole organism and cellular level

1. Plant chip for high-throughput phenotyping of Arabidopsis. Jiang H1, Xu Z, Aluru MR, Dong L. Lab Chip. 2014 Apr 7;14(7):1281-93.

2. A microfluidic whole-plant phenotyping device, Jiang, H.,  Xu, Z., Aluru, M.R.; Dong, L.
Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (TRANSDUCERS & EUROSENSORS XXVII), 2013 Transducers & Eurosensors XXVII: The 17th International Conference.

3. Iowa State engineer builds instrument to study effects of genes, environment on plant traits

4. YouTube video