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Rapid Fabrication of Custom Microfluidic Devices for Research and Educational Applications
Published on: November 20, 2019
Fabrication improvements for thermoset polyester (TPE) microfluidic devices.
Gina S Fiorini1, Moonbin Yim, Gavin D M Jeffries
1Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Lab on a Chip
|June 28, 2007
Summary
Improved fabrication of thermoset polyester (TPE) microfluidic devices enables thin-layer chips for sensitive detection and hybrid TPE-glass devices. New methods enhance TPE chip production for broader microfluidic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Thermoset polyester (TPE) microfluidic devices offer an alternative to poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with improved surface stability and chemical compatibility.
- Previous TPE fabrication methods had limitations for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present improved fabrication techniques for thermoset polyester (TPE) microfluidic devices.
- To enable TPE devices suitable for high numerical aperture (NA) microscopy and hybrid glass-TPE applications.
Main Methods:
- Developed methods for fabricating TPE chips with a thin bottom layer.
- Implemented plasma-bonding to create hybrid TPE-glass devices.
- Introduced a simplified master-pretreatment method for TPE fabrication.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated TPE devices with thin bottom layers compatible with high NA objectives.
- Demonstrated the creation of robust hybrid TPE-glass microfluidic devices.
- Validated a simplified master-pretreatment technique, reducing reliance on specialized equipment.
Conclusions:
- The improved fabrication methods enhance the utility of TPE microfluidic devices.
- These advancements facilitate sensitive fluorescence detection, optical manipulation, and hybrid device integration.
- The new techniques make TPE microfluidic chip fabrication more accessible and versatile.
