Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
07:53
Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices
Published on: April 1, 2016
7.2K
Patterned adhesive enables construction of nonplanar three-dimensional paper microfluidic circuits
Brent Kalish1, Hideaki Tsutsui
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA. htsutsui@engr.ucr.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|September 16, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed 3D paper microfluidic circuits using spray adhesive and origami. This technique allows for foldable, reusable devices and enables new designs for paper analytical devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Paper-based microfluidic devices offer low-cost diagnostics.
- Current fabrication methods can be complex and lack reusability.
- 3D integration in paper microfluidics remains challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for fabricating planar and nonplanar 3D paper microfluidic circuits.
- To enable the creation of foldable and reusable paper analytical devices.
- To explore new design possibilities for 3D paper microfluidics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized patterned spray adhesive application for layer assembly.
- Incorporated origami techniques for creating complex 3D structures.
- Investigated semi-permanent adhesive bonds for device folding and unfolding.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated planar and nonplanar 3D paper microfluidic circuits.
- Demonstrated fluid flow through multi-layered circuits without clogs.
- Showcased a nonplanar 3D device with multi-fluid wicking capabilities.
Conclusions:
- The spray adhesive and origami method provides a versatile platform for 3D paper microfluidics.
- Semi-permanent bonds facilitate device reusability and post-use analysis.
- This approach opens new avenues for innovative paper analytical device designs.
