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Dial-A-Wave, or commonly referred around the lab as just "DAW", is a system of hardware, software and microfluidic devices that allows for time-lapse microscopy of single cells in a time varying extracellular environment. A very thorough overview on the basic concepts of microfluidics has been publish in a book chapter "Microfluidics for Synthetic Biology: From Design to Execution". This pages is designed for collaboration and distribution of updates and changes to the system. toc =If you would like to order any of the devices, wafers and robots listed on this page, please contact Ivan Razinkov - irazinkov@gmail.com= =1. Overview=



Click on the image for more info

The system is composed of a microfluidic device (figure above) and a mechanical setup for changing the pressures applied to the microfluidic device. Using microfluidic devices we are able to trap and maintain viable cells, while precisely controlling the external environment variables, such as temperature, humidity and gas composition. To allow for time-dependent extracellular concentrations of a specific chemical (i.e. inducers, antibiotics, dyes...), the microfluidic devices is designed to included a fluidic mixer. The mixer has two incoming ports that connect to reservoirs with (1: media, 2: media + inducers of certain concentration). By varying the relative pressures of these two reservoirs, the ratio of the two fluids going out of the middle channel changes. By mirroring the pressure change of one of the reservoirs with an equal but opposite change in the second reservoir, the total pressure through the mixer remains constant. This maintains that the total flow through the microfluidic device is constant throughout the experiment. Each port is connected to a syringe via flexible tubing and metal pins. By changing the height of the syringes we can achieve different pressures at various ports. To achieve dynamic pressure changes we use a mechanical system that controls the height of the syringes. Refer to Hardware section. =2. Hardware=

Original DAW (v1)
The first system uses two vertically mounter linear actuators. The syringes with media are attached to the carriage of each actuator and the positions of the carriages are controlled by a custom LabVIEW software package. This setup allows for independent positioning of each syringe; each linear actuator has a range of 800 mm with a 0.01 mm step size. Since the actuators have built-in optical encoders, the position is accurate and reproducible. Each actuator has a dedicated controller, which connects to a hub that communicates with the computer via MODBUS protocol. Both actuators are powered with a single power supply. It is possible to increase the total number of actuators to 16 without significant modifications to hardware or LabVIEW software.

The only disadvantage of this system is the total cost per setup, which can be around $4000-$5000. Assembling the system is relatively easy, with no machining or custom parts. If money is not a problem, this is a better system in terms of ease of installation and accuracy.
 * = **Equipment** ||= **Qty** ||= **Part No.** ||= **Vendor** ||
 * Linear actuators: fast speed, 800mm travel length ||= 2 ||= RCP2-SA7C-I-56P-16-800-P1-M-BE ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * Controller ||= 2 ||= RPCON-56P ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * Communication gateway module ||= 1 ||= RGW-SIO ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * Serial communication cable ||= 1 ||= CB-RCA-SIO-050 ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * USB adapter ||= 1 ||= RCB-CV-USB ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * USB cable ||= 1 ||= CB-SEL-USB010 ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * 24V DC power supply ||= 1 ||= OMRON-S8VS-06024 ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * AC power cable ||= 1 ||= 70355K34 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Syringe holders ||= 1 pkg ||= 7565K51 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Screws for syringe holders (M3, 8mm) ||= 1 pkg ||= 96477A162 ||= McMaster-Carr ||

Poorman's DAW (v2)
Since the total pressure at the fluidic mixer stays constant throughout the experiment, this means that movement of one of the syringes must be mirrored by the other syringe in the opposite direction. Due to this constraint we can remove one of the actuators from the Original DAW(v1) and replace it with a linear guide and carriage system. By connecting the carriage on the linear guide to the carriage on the linear actuator with a system of wire rope and pulleys, we can achieve the same effect. This brings down the total part cost, but increases the complexity of the system. When putting the system together it is important to make sure that the wire rope stays in the same plane. Since we are using the same actuators, there is no modification necessary to the LabVIEW software.
 * = **Equipment** ||= **Qty** ||= **Part No.** ||= **Vendor** ||
 * Linear actuators: fast speed, 800mm travel length ||= 1 ||= RCP2-SA7C-I-56P-16-800-P1-M-BE ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * Controller ||= 1 ||= RPCON-56P ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * Communication gateway module ||= 1 ||= RGW-SIO ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * Serial communication cable ||= 1 ||= CB-RCA-SIO-050 ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * USB adapter ||= 1 ||= RCB-CV-USB ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * USB cable ||= 1 ||= CB-SEL-USB010 ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * 24V DC power supply ||= 1 ||= OMRON-S8VS-06024 ||= Valin Corp. ||
 * AC power cable ||= 1 ||= 70355K34 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Syringe holders ||= 1 pkg ||= 7565K51 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Screws for syringe holders (M5, 8mm) ||= 1 pkg ||= 96477A162 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Linear guide 1000 mm ||= 1 ||= TS-01-15 ||= Igus, Inc. ||
 * Carriage ||= 1 ||= TW-01-15 ||= Igus, Inc. ||
 * SS screws for linear guide (8-32 x 1 1/4 in) ||= 1 pkg ||= 92185A201 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 8-32 Hex nut ||= 1 pkg ||= 90257A009 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * No 8. flat washer ||= 1 pkg ||= 92141A009 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * = **Wire rope connection to actuator car** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * Ball joint rod end ||= 1 ||= 6275K52 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Wire rope end stud ||= 1 ||= 3475T15 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Thread adapter ||= 1 ||= 92499A487 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 1/2 inch Steel block (cut to 3x3 inch blocks) ||= 1 ||= 8151K311 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Wire rope ||= 7ft ||= 8923T31 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Rope clamp ||= 2 ||= 3677T51 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * = **Pulley Connection to wood** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * Pulley ||= 8 ||= 3434T14 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Shoulder screw ||= 8 ||= 93996A714 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Weld nut ||= 8 ||= 90611A250 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * No. 2 wood screw ||= 24 ||= 90011A081 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * = **For offset of pulley base to be inline with carriages** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * Weld nut ||= 12 ||= 90611A450 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Shoulder screw ||= 4 ||= 91264A650 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Sleave bearing ||= 4 ||= 6389K622 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 4 in threaded rod ||= 4 ||= 98750A070 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Locknut ||= 4 ||= 93298A130 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * No. 6 wood screw ||= 24 ||= 90011A151 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Particle board (MDF 5/8 inch thickness) ||= 2 ||= cut to size ||= Home Depot ||
 * = **For offset of linear guide base to be inline with carriage** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * Shoulder screw ||= 8 ||= 91259A720 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Sleave bearing ||= 8 ||= 6389K622 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 3 in threaded rod ||= 12 ||= 98750A066 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Locknut ||= 12 ||= 93298A130 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * < Particle board (MDF 5/8 inch thickness) ||= 8 ||= cut to size ||= Home Depot ||

Gradstudent DAW (v3)
The most recent version of the system moves away from the use of linear actuators. To achieve motion, the system relies on a single stepper motor with timing pulleys and a belt drive. The main reason for switching to the new design is the significant reduction in cost: a single system should cost about $500. However, there are a number of disadvantages: first, the setup does not include an optical encoder, so the position relies on the motor's internal counter which can be inaccurate in some circumstances; second, this design requires some simple assembly and manufacturing. We have tested the system, and the absence of the optical encoder is not that significant. The only issue that can arise is when the motion of the carriages is physically obstructed. Since the step size of the motor is only 0.9 degrees, an error of a few steps will not cause the system to fail.


 * = **Equipment** ||= **Qty** ||= **Part No.** ||= **Vendor** ||
 * **Motor and controller** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * NEMA-23 Bipolar 50mm Stepper Motor ||= 1 ||= 3308 ||= Phidgets ||
 * Power supply 12VDC 2.0A -US ||= 1 ||= 3024 ||= Phidgets ||
 * Bipolar motor control board ||= 1 ||= 1063 ||= Phidgets ||
 * **Linear guide and carriage** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * T guide rail (1000 mm) ||= 2 ||= TS-01-15 ||= Igus, Inc. ||
 * T carriage ||= 2 ||= TW-01-15 ||= Igus, Inc. ||
 * **Nuts and bolts** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * SS 8-32 x 5/8 (Motor housing) ||= 4 ||= 92185A196 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * SS 8-32 x 1 1/4 (Linear guide) ||= 10 ||= 92185A201 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * No. 8 flat washer ||= 14 ||= 92141A009 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 8-32 Hex Nut ||= 14 ||= 90257A009 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * SS 1/4-20 x 1 1/2 (Main housing) ||= 4 ||= 92185A546 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 1/4 Flat Washer ||= 4 ||= 90313A203 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 1/4-20 Hex SS nut ||= 4 ||= 94804A029 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * M3x12mm screw ||= 4 ||= 92290A117 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Nylon washer #8 ||= 2 ||= 93785A400 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 5-40 Hex Nut ||= 1 ||= 91841A006 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * M3x8mm screw || 3 || 92290A113 || McMaster-Carr ||
 * M5x8mm screw || 5 || 91420A318 || McMaster-Carr ||
 * M5x20mm screw || 8 || 91420A328 || McMaster-Carr ||
 * **Pulleys and Belts** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * 0.08 pitch, 1/4in wide, open ended neoprene belt ||= 7ft ||= A 6Z16-C025 ||= SPD-SI ||
 * Mount Bearing on Hardened Shaft ||= 1 ||= S99NH2-BN0408 ||= SPD-SI ||
 * 0.08(MXL) pitch, 18 teeth, Aluminum alloy timing pulley ||= 2 ||= A 6A16-018DF2508 ||= SPD-SI ||
 * Polycarbonate belt clamp ||= 2 ||= A 6M16M080 ||= SPD-SI ||
 * **Custom Parts** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * Motor housing (1/4in acrylic) ||= 1 ||= refer to design files ||= local machine shop or contact our lab ||
 * Board housing (1/4in acrylic) ||= 1 ||= refer to design files ||= local machine shop or contact our lab ||
 * Alignment guide (1/4in acrylic) (optional) ||= 1 ||= refer to design files ||= local machine shop or contact our lab ||
 * Dowel pin (1.3in length with 0.4in 5-40 thread; 1/8in diam) ||= 1 ||=  ||= local machine shop or contact our lab ||
 * Steel block (1/2in thick) ||= 2 ||= refer to design files ||= local machine shop or contact our lab ||
 * Adjustable belt/carriage connection || 1 || refer to assembly instructions || local machine shop or contact our lab ||
 * **Reusable equipment** ||=  ||=   ||=   ||
 * 0.124 reamer ||= 1 ||= 3087A51 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * #40 Drill ||= 1 ||= 30585A54 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * M3 Tap ||= 1 ||= 8302A12 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * 5-40 Die ||= 1 ||= 2576A135 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * Die holder ||= 1 ||= 25565A19 ||= McMaster-Carr ||
 * **Other equipment** ||  ||   ||   ||
 * Syringe holders || 1 pkg || 7565K51 || McMaster-Carr ||
 * Baseboard (pressed wood composite, 49" H x 9" W x 5/8" thick) || 1 ||  ||   ||
 * Optional: Meterstick (max. width 1 1/8") and fasteners || 1 ||  ||   ||

Design Files = = =3. Software=
 * Assembly and installation instructions**

LabVIEW (version 1 and 2 only)
Depending on the hardware setup you have chosen (version 1 or 2), you will need to use different software packages. For version 1, it is necessary to use the software called "DialAWave version 6 Last Update 02_20_09".

You can download it directly - [|DialAWave version 6 Last Update 02_20_09] or visit our main software repository here: [|biodynamics.ucsd.edu/dialawave]

This is not a standalone package, you need to have National Instruments LabVIEW 7.1 or higher. To install and run the software follow the prompts outline in Original Daw (v1) Installation instructions

User manual for DAW v6 software is here: manual

If you are using the "Poorman's DAW(v2)" then it is necessary to use the software called "DialAWave version 9 Last Update 11_14_11" You can download it directly - [|DialAWave version 9 Last Update 11_14_11] or visit our main software repository here: [|biodynamics.ucsd.edu/dialawave]

**Version 2**
Now the linear actuators can also be run by the java software. The user interface is identical between the two programs. So, the following link is only for the Version 2, that is the version that uses IAI Linear actuators Latest compiled version (32-bit)- [|standalone java version 2 software] and 64-bit - Here is the source - [|full project]

Note: special thanks to Gianfranco Fiore for troubleshooting the 64-bit software.

**Version 3**
The Java version of the software was written specifically for the new hardware setup (Gradstudent DAW v3). The overall layout of the software is very similar to the LabVIEW version. You can download the latest compiled version - [|standalone software] If you would like to work on the software, which we highly encourage, download the complete NetBeans project - [|full project] or visit our main software repository here: [|biodynamics.ucsd.edu/dialawave]

Our Java software will require you to download OS specific drivers for the controller from Phidgets website - [|www.phidgets.com/drivers.php] The software has been tested on Windows 7 and Mac OS 10.5.8. Due to recent changes in the Phidgets supplied drivers, we are providing the older version of drivers that work with our software, choose your OS below:
 * 1) Windows (32-bit) - [|driver date 2014/02/27]
 * 2) Windows (64-bit) - [|driver date 2014/02/27]
 * 3) Mac OS X - [|driver date 2011/11/03]

For older versions go to Older software page

=4. Microfluidic devices= The paper includes a very thorough description on how to design microfluidic devices. Here you can download the actual design and printing files for the device described in the paper. > Masks should be printed: Emulsion Up, Negative Image at 20,000 dpi
 * 1) Design file (Autocad 2010 DWG) - [|design_file]
 * 2) Printing file (Autocad 2010 DWG) - [|print_file]
 * 3) Fabrication parameters for making the wafers in a cleanroom environment (Excel file) - [|fabrication paramters]

=5. General Lab Equipment and Supplies=


 * Equipment || Qty || Part No. || Vendor ||
 * Vacuum Pump RV8 || 1 || A65401906 || Edwards ||
 * Desiccators || 2 || 08-642-5 || Fisher Scientific ||
 * Isotemp Oven || 1 || 506G || Fisher Scientific ||
 * Silicone Elastomer kit || 1 || Sylgard 184 || Dow Corning ||
 * Release agent(*note) || 1 || T2492 || UCT ||
 * Aluminum foil ||  ||   ||   ||
 * UVO cleaner (bonder) || 1 || Model No. 42 || Jelight Company Inc. ||
 * Flowmeter (oxygen) || 1 || FR4A37 || Key Instruments ||
 * Biopsy punch Harris Uni-Core 0.5 mm || 1 || 15071 || Ted Pella, Inc. ||
 * Cover slips No 1 1/2, size: 24x40mm, thickness 0.16-0.19mm ||  || 12-530F || Fisher Scientific ||
 * Compressed oxygen for bonder || 1 || medial grade ||  ||
 * note - release agent's chemical name: (TRIDECAFLUORO-1,1,2,2-TETRAHYDROOCTYL)-1-TRICHLOROSILANE