Reconfigurable Acrylic-tape Hybrid Microfluidics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Microfluidic platforms are in demand for their low cost and versatility.
• Current fabrication methods can be complex and require specialized facilities.
• The ability to reconfigure microfluidic devices in the field is highly desirable for diverse functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a versatile acrylic-tape platform for accessible microfluidic device fabrication and reconfiguration.
• To demonstrate a clean-room-free fabrication process suitable for untrained users and industrial scaling.
• To explore the platform's capabilities in fluid control, two-phase flow, and droplet generation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a laser cutter, acrylic, and functional tapes for clean-room-free fabrication and sealing.
• Experimentally characterized capillary flow speed in relation to channel height.
• Demonstrated device reconfiguration and various pumping mechanisms (on-chip and syringe pumps).

Main Results:

• Developed a rapid, straightforward fabrication process for microfluidic devices using acrylic and tape.
• Established control over channel height influencing capillary flow speed.
• Successfully demonstrated reconfigurable microfluidic functions, including two-phase flow and droplet generation, on a single device.

Conclusions:

• The acrylic-tape microfluidic platform offers a low-cost, versatile solution for rapid prototyping and field use.
• The fabrication and reconfiguration methods are accessible and scalable for industrial production.
• This platform shows significant promise for point-of-care biomedical and clinical applications.