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Replication of a Printed Volatile Mold: a novel microfabrication method for advanced microfluidic systems
Rémy Brossard1, Thomas Brouchet1, Florent Malloggi2
1LIONS, NIMBE, CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Saclay, 91191, Gif sur Yvette Cedex, France.
Scientific Reports
|November 27, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a simple inkjet printing method using frozen ink to create microchannels on diverse surfaces. This technique enables versatile microfluidic device fabrication, including complex 3D structures and combinatorial systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Microfluidics
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Microfluidic devices are essential for various applications, but their fabrication can be complex and costly.
- Existing methods often require specialized equipment and substrates, limiting their versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, simple, and versatile method for microchannel fabrication.
- To demonstrate the fabrication of microfluidic systems on diverse surfaces and in 3D.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing inkjet printing of a volatile solid ink (1,6 hexanediol) onto a cooled substrate to create a frozen mold.
- Pouring polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto the mold, followed by crosslinking and ink sublimation to form microchannels.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated microchannels on various surfaces including glass, paper, and non-planar substrates.
- Demonstrated the creation of high-aspect-ratio (up to 25) and 3D microfluidic structures like bridges.
- Fabricated a combinatorial microfluidic system capable of generating 6 mixtures from 4 solutions without complex alignment.
Conclusions:
- The inkjet printing of volatile solid molds offers a versatile and simple approach for microchannel fabrication.
- This method is adaptable to different surfaces and enables the creation of complex microfluidic architectures.
- The technique holds potential for rapid prototyping and diverse applications in microfluidics.
