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Fabrication of 3D Carbon Microelectromechanical Systems (C-MEMS)
Published on: June 17, 2017
Nonlithographic fabrication of microfluidic devices
Valentine I Vullev1, Jiandi Wan, Volkmar Heinrich
1Photonics Center and Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. vullev@ucr.edu
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|December 15, 2006
Summary
A new, easy nonlithographic method allows for quick fabrication of poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic devices. These devices enable sensitive detection of bacterial spores using terbium (III) ion emission enhancement.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microfluidic devices offer miniaturized platforms for various applications.
- Traditional fabrication methods can be complex and time-consuming.
- Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a common material for microfluidics due to its favorable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and nonlithographic method for fabricating microfluidic devices.
- To demonstrate the utility of these devices for biological detection.
- To utilize the enhancement of terbium (III) ion emission for bacterial spore detection.
Main Methods:
- Direct printing of positive-relief masters on substrates.
- Adhering cavity-forming elements to masters for channel and chamber creation.
- Fabrication of PDMS microfluidic devices using the developed method.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of microfluidic devices using a nonlithographic approach.
- Demonstrated detection of bacterial spores.
- Observed enhancement of terbium (III) ion emission, correlating with spore presence.
Conclusions:
- The described nonlithographic method provides an expedient route for microfluidic device fabrication.
- The fabricated devices are suitable for sensitive bacterial spore detection.
- This approach offers a simplified alternative to traditional microfluidic fabrication techniques.

