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Rapid prototyping of microfluidic systems using a PDMS/polymer tape composite
Jungkyu Kim1, Rajesh Surapaneni, Bruce K Gale
1Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. jungkyu.kim@utah.edu
Lab on a Chip
|April 17, 2009
Summary
A novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/tape composite enables rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. This cost-effective method bypasses cleanroom requirements for fabricating integrated microfluidic systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidics are challenging to fabricate using adhesive tapes due to surface properties.
- Conventional methods like xurography are incompatible with PDMS bonding to tapes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a rapid prototyping technique for microfluidic systems using a PDMS/tape composite.
- To overcome PDMS bonding limitations for cost-effective microfabrication.
Main Methods:
- A PDMS/tape composite was created by spin-coating PDMS onto double-sided tape.
- Xurography was used to pattern channels in the composite.
- The patterned composite was bonded to a PDMS slab and integrated onto various substrates.
Main Results:
- The PDMS/tape composite fabrication method proved effective for creating microfluidic channels and reactors.
- Successful integration was demonstrated in systems with membranes and electrochemical biosensors.
- The bond strength was sufficient for typical microfluidic pressures.
Conclusions:
- The PDMS/tape composite offers a fast, cost-effective, and cleanroom-independent approach for microfluidic device fabrication.
- This technique facilitates easy integration of microfluidic channels with sensors and other components.
