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Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices
Published on: April 1, 2016
A rapid, straightforward, and print house compatible mass fabrication method for integrating 3D paper-based
Liangpin Xiao1, Xianming Liu, Runtao Zhong
1The Research Center of Lab on a Chip, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Dalian, P. R. China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, P. R. China.
Electrophoresis
|September 17, 2013
Summary
A novel printing-bookbinding method enables rapid, low-cost fabrication of 3D paper-based microfluidics. This technique simplifies device assembly and is ideal for mass production in applications like medical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Paper-based devices
- Chemical analysis
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) paper-based microfluidics offer high performance for multistep sample pretreatment and chemical reactions.
- Existing fabrication methods are often cumbersome, time-consuming, expensive, and can cause contamination.
- These devices have broad applications in medical diagnosis, cell culture, and environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simple, rapid, and cost-effective printing-bookbinding method for mass fabricating 3D paper-based microfluidics.
- To address the limitations of current fabrication techniques for 3D paper-based microfluidic devices.
Main Methods:
- A two-step approach: (i) wax-printing of microfluidic channels and (ii) bookbinding for device assembly.
- Testing of device performance, including delivery capability, diffusion rate, and homogeneity.
- Demonstration of applicability through nitrite colorimetric assays.
Main Results:
- The printing-bookbinding method is rapid (under 30 seconds), inexpensive, and easy to manipulate.
- The fabricated devices exhibit suitable delivery, diffusion, and homogeneity for chemical analysis.
- The method is compatible with standard flat stitching techniques used in printing houses.
Conclusions:
- The printing-bookbinding method offers an ideal scheme for the large-scale production of 3D paper-based microfluidics.
- This approach overcomes key drawbacks of existing fabrication methods, enabling wider adoption.
- The technique facilitates accessible and efficient microfluidic device manufacturing for various applications.
