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Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices
Published on: April 1, 2016
Method for fabrication of paper-based microfluidic devices by alkylsilane self-assembling and UV/O3-patterning
Qiaohong He1, Cuicui Ma, Xianqiao Hu
1Institute of Microanalytical Systems, Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University, Zijin'gang Campus, Hangzhou 310058, China. heqh@zju.edu.cn
Analytical Chemistry
|December 19, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a simple method for creating paper-based microfluidic devices using hydrophobic silane treatment and deep UV-lithography. This technique enables precise patterning of hydrophilic channels on hydrophobic paper for various assays.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Paper-based microfluidic devices offer a low-cost platform for diagnostics.
- Controlling surface wettability is crucial for defining fluid flow in microchannels.
- Existing fabrication methods can be complex or expensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile and novel method for fabricating paper-based microfluidic devices.
- To create well-defined hydrophilic channels and hydrophobic barriers on paper substrates.
- To demonstrate the utility of these devices for chemical assays.
Main Methods:
- Hydrophobic modification of filter paper using octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS).
- Deep UV-lithography with a patterned quartz mask to selectively alter surface wettability.
- Surface characterization using contact angle measurements, XPS, and ATR-FT-IR spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Achieved a highly hydrophobic paper surface (contact angle ~125°) after OTS coupling.
- Generated well-defined hydrophilic microchannels (233 ± 30 μm) and hydrophobic barriers (137 ± 21 μm).
- Successfully demonstrated colorimetric nitrite assays using the fabricated paper microfluidic devices.
Conclusions:
- The presented method provides a straightforward approach for fabricating patterned paper microfluidic devices.
- The technique allows for precise control over channel geometry and surface properties.
- These devices are suitable for sensitive and low-cost chemical analysis.
