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Rapid Fabrication of Custom Microfluidic Devices for Research and Educational Applications
Published on: November 20, 2019
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Rapid and inexpensive process to fabricate paper based microfluidic devices using a cut and heat plastic lamination
Nityanand Kumawat1, Soja Saghar Soman1, Sanjairaj Vijayavenkataraman1,2
1Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates. nk67@nyu.edu.
Lab on a Chip
|July 8, 2022
Summary
A new "cut and heat" method creates durable, low-cost microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) on various materials. This simple process enables mass fabrication for point-of-care diagnostics in diverse settings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) offer low-cost, user-friendly point-of-care testing.
- Current fabrication methods using wax or photoresist patterning have limitations for automated mass production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an affordable, simple, and scalable fabrication technique for microPADs.
- To create microPADs with enhanced mechanical strength and chemical resistance for diverse applications.
Main Methods:
- A two-step "cut and heat" (CH-microPADs) process utilizing a lamination technique.
- Selective fabrication of hydrophilic channels and reservoirs on porous media like paper and cloth.
- Testing of 96 well-plate CH-microPAD configurations for cell culture and protein/enzyme detection via ELISA.
Main Results:
- CH-microPADs demonstrate excellent mechanical robustness (unbreakable) and structural flexibility.
- The devices exhibit good chemical resistance to solvents, acids, and bases.
- Successful application in cell culture and protein detection assays, validating their utility.
Conclusions:
- The CH-microPAD technique offers a promising, low-cost alternative for mass-producing disposable diagnostic devices.
- This method is suitable for both resource-limited and developed regions, enhancing accessibility to diagnostics.
- The fabricated devices are versatile for clinical diagnostics, biological sensing, food processing, and chemical industries.
