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Multi-step Variable Height Photolithography for Valved Multilayer Microfluidic Devices
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Optically addressable single-use microfluidic valves by laser printer lithography.

Jose L Garcia-Cordero1, Dirk Kurzbuch, Fernando Benito-Lopez

  • 1BDI: Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.

Lab on a Chip
|August 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Researchers developed novel optofluidic valves using laser printer lithography. These valves enable rapid, on-demand fluidic connections in microfluidic devices, enhancing lab-on-a-chip systems.

Area of Science:

  • Microfluidics
  • Polymer Science
  • Optics

Background:

  • Microfluidic devices require precise control over fluid flow.
  • Existing valve technologies can be complex or expensive to fabricate.
  • On-chip storage of reagents necessitates reliable, long-term isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and fabricate novel optofluidic valves using laser printer lithography.
  • To characterize the performance and response time of these valves.
  • To demonstrate the integration of these valves into microfluidic platforms.

Main Methods:

  • Laser printer lithography was used to create toner patterns on polymer films.
  • Localized heating by a solid-state laser melted polymer to form orifices.
  • Valve performance was tested on pressure-driven and centrifugal microfluidic platforms.

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  • Hermetic sealing capabilities were assessed using low-vapor-permeability materials.

    • Main Results:

    • Optofluidic valves were successfully fabricated from cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films.
    • Valve actuation time was as low as 500 ms.
    • Orifice size was dependent on laser input energy.
    • Hermetic isolation of on-chip fluid volumes was maintained for one month.
    • Integration was demonstrated on pressure-driven and centrifugal microfluidic platforms.

    Conclusions:

    • Laser-actuated optofluidic valves offer a simple, rapid, and cost-effective solution for microfluidic control.
    • These valves are compatible with various polymer microfabrication techniques.
    • The technology facilitates the development of automated, reconfigurable lab-on-a-chip systems for diagnostics and biochemical analysis.