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Pysanky to Microfluidics: An Innovative Wax-Based Approach to Low Cost, Rapid Prototyping of Microfluidic Devices
Philip J Schneider1, Liam B Christie1, Nicholas M Eadie2
1SMALL (Sensors and Micro Actuators Learning Lab), Department of Electrical Engineering, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (SUNY at Buffalo), Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.
Micromachines
|February 24, 2024
Summary
A novel wax-based contact printing method, inspired by pysanky egg art, enables rapid and cost-effective microfluidic device prototyping. This technique offers a viable alternative to traditional methods, demonstrating high performance and resolution for microfluidic applications.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Traditional microfluidic device fabrication often relies on expensive and complex micromachining equipment and chemicals.
- There is a need for rapid, cost-effective prototyping methods for microfluidic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel wax-based contact printing method for microfluidic device fabrication.
- To adapt the traditional Ukrainian Easter egg painting technique ('pysanky') for creating microfluidic devices.
- To compare the performance of wax-printed microfluidic devices with those fabricated using traditional photolithography.
Main Methods:
- Modification of an x-y-z actuation translation system with a wax extruder tip.
- Integration of the wax printing technique with Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) device fabrication.
- System optimization based on parameters like extruder tip size, contact angle, write speed, and temperatures.
- Creation of microfluidic mixers (spiral, rainbow, linear serial dilutor) using the wax technique and photolithography.
- Generation of a thermo-fluidic computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model for system tuning and optimization.
Main Results:
- Successfully created microfluidic channels ranging from 160 to 900 μm wide and 10 to 150 μm high.
- CFD model and experimental results showed minimal error in wax height (1.18%) and cross-sectional area (10.76%).
- Wax-printed devices demonstrated comparable performance, uniformity, repeatability, and resolution to photolithographically fabricated devices.
Conclusions:
- The wax-based contact printing method presents a new pathway for rapid, cost-effective microfluidic device prototyping.
- This technique eliminates the need for expensive micromachining equipment and harsh chemicals.
- The method shows promise for diverse microfluidic applications requiring intricate designs and precise fabrication.
