Surface patterning of bonded microfluidic channels

Microfluidic channels in which multiple chemical and biological processes can be integrated into a single chip have provided a suitable platform for high throughput screening, chemical synthesis, detection, and alike. These microchips generally exhibit a homogeneous surface chemistry, which limits their functionality. Localized surface modification of microchannels can be challenging due to the nonplanar geometries involved. However, chip bonding remains the main hurdle, with many methods involving thermal or plasma treatment that, in most cases, neutralizes the desired chemical functionality. Postbonding modification of microchannels is subject to many limitations, some of which have been recently overcome. Novel techniques include solution-based modification using laminar or capillary flow, while conventional techniques such as photolithography remain popular. Nonetheless, new methods, including localized microplasma treatment, are emerging as effective postbonding alternatives. This Review focuses on postbonding methods for surface patterning of microchannels.