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Development of Paper Microfluidics with 3D-Printed PDMS Barriers for Flow Control
Chang Chen1,2, Haixu Meng1, Tianruo Guo3
1School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518055, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 24, 2022
Summary
3D-printed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) barriers offer flexible flow control in paper microfluidics. Increasing barrier penetration depth is key for efficient flow delay in automated multi-step detections.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Paper microfluidics is crucial for environmental and medical diagnostics.
- Automated multi-step detections require precise flow control and reagent compatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate 3D-printed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) barriers for flow control in paper microfluidics.
- To understand the fabrication parameters and flow-delay mechanisms of PDMS barriers.
Main Methods:
- Systematic studies of 3D-printing protocols for PDMS barriers.
- Characterization of PDMS barrier physical parameters (pressure, speed, diffusion, temperature, viscosity).
- Demonstration of non-polar solvent confinement and flow delay using partially penetrated barriers (PPBs).
Main Results:
- PDMS barrier properties depend on printing parameters and viscosity.
- Minimum channel width to prevent leakage was 470 ± 54 μm.
- PPBs and constriction channels effectively delay flow; reduced cross-section is the primary cause.
Conclusions:
- Increasing PDMS barrier penetration depth is more effective for flow delay than increasing length.
- 3D-printed PDMS barriers enable sequential fluid delivery for multi-step assays.
- Findings provide practical insights for paper microfluidic device design and applications.
