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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2025

High Throughput Microfluidic Rapid and Low Cost Prototyping Packaging Methods

High Throughput Microfluidic Rapid and Low Cost Prototyping Packaging Methods

Published on: December 23, 2013

Achieving High-Precision, Low-Cost Microfluidic Chip Fabrication with Flexible PCB Technology.

Andres Vanhooydonck¹, Thalissa Caers², Marc Parrilla³

¹Faculty of Design Sciences, Department of Product Development, University of Antwerp, Paardenmarkt 94, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium.

|April 27, 2024

Summary

This study introduces a novel method using flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) for highly accurate, low-cost microfluidic (MF) chip prototyping. This accessible technique maintains PDMS material properties for viable cell growth.

Keywords:

LOAC PCB PDMS POCT biocompatibility lithography microfabrication microfluidics prototyping

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2025

High Throughput Microfluidic Rapid and Low Cost Prototyping Packaging Methods

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Published on: December 23, 2013

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Published on: October 1, 2007

Area of Science:

Microfluidics
Materials Science
Biotechnology

Background:

Soft lithography is the standard for microfluidic (MF) chip micropatterning.
Previous attempts using printed circuit boards (PCBs) as molds for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) MF chips had limitations.
There is a need for low-cost, accessible prototyping methods for MF chips.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore PCBs as a mold substrate for MF chip production.
To develop and report a novel methodology using flexible PCBs for highly accurate MF chip fabrication.
To evaluate the accuracy, adhesion, and biocompatibility of MF chips produced using this new method.

Main Methods:

Utilized flexible PCBs as molds for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip fabrication.
Performed cross-section analysis to assess pattern accuracy.
Conducted peel testing to evaluate PDMS-glass adhesion.
Assessed cell viability and growth on fabricated PDMS chips.

Main Results:

Demonstrated improved accuracy in MF chip fabrication using flexible PCBs compared to previous methods.
Confirmed suitable adhesion between the PDMS cast and the glass substrate via peel testing.
Showcased positive cell growth viability, indicating biocompatibility.
The novel method offers high accuracy, accessibility, and low cost.

Conclusions:

Flexible PCBs provide a viable and accurate mold substrate for microfluidic chip prototyping.
This novel fabrication method is a low-cost, high-accessibility alternative to traditional techniques.
The developed method successfully produces microfluidic chips suitable for applications requiring cell culture.