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High-pressure microfluidic control in lab-on-a-chip devices using mobile polymer monoliths
Ernest F Hasselbrink1, Timothy J Shepodd, Jason E Rehm
1Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, California 94551, USA. efhass@umich.edu
Analytical Chemistry
|October 17, 2002
Summary
Researchers created novel nonstick polymer parts for microfluidic devices, enabling precise flow control and high-pressure sealing for integrated lab-on-a-chip systems.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microfluidic devices face challenges in precise flow control.
- Developing integrated microfluidic systems requires robust mobile components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nonstick polymer formulation for creating moving parts within microfluidic channels.
- To demonstrate the application of this technique in fabricating functional microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- A nonstick photopolymer formulation was used to create mobile pistons and other shapes inside microfluidic channels.
- UV light was selectively applied to define polymer parts within a glass microfluidic chip.
- Integrated stops prevented part washout and provided sealing surfaces for valves.
Main Results:
- The technique successfully created mobile pistons and quasi-two-dimensional shapes within microfluidic channels.
- The fabricated components demonstrated sealing against pressures exceeding 30 MPa (4,500 psi).
- Actuation times for the microfluidic components were observed to be less than 33 ms.
Conclusions:
- The developed nonstick polymer formulation enables the creation of functional microfluidic components.
- Demonstrated devices include an on-chip check valve, a diverter valve, and a 10-nL pipet.
- This technology is a key step towards fully integrated HPLC systems on a chip.