Facile fabrication processes for hydrogel-based microfluidic devices made of natural biopolymers

Hydrogel-based reconfigurable components for microfluidic devices.

In situ liquid-phase photopolymerization (LP(3)) has been applied to the field of microfluidics to create components within integrated systems. As an extension of LP(3) technology, we present reconfigurable components that utilize the swelling of hydrogels. These components can be conveniently used to enhance microfluidic functions and applications. In order to utilize the swelling characterist...

Nonlithographic fabrication of microfluidic devices.

A facile nonlithographic method for expedient fabrication of microfluidic devices of poly(dimethylsiloxane) is described. Positive-relief masters for the molds are directly printed on smooth substrates. For the formation of connecting channels and chambers inside the polymer components of the microfluidic devices, cavity-forming elements are adhered to the surfaces of the masters. Using this no...

Microfluidic Devices Fabrication for Bioelectrokinetic System Applications

Fabrication of microfluidic devices using polydimethylsiloxane.

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is nearly ubiquitous in microfluidic devices, being easy to work with, economical, and transparent. A detailed protocol is provided here for using PDMS in the fabrication of microfluidic devices to aid those interested in using the material in their work, with information on the many potential ways the material may be used for novel devices.

Excimer laser fabrication of polymer microfluidic devices

Silicon has been a primary material for fabrication of microelectromechanical systems ~microfluidic devices in MEMS! for several decades. This is due to the fact that the MEMS techniques were derived from those used for microfabrication in the semiconductor industry. These techniques are well developed, and can be readily applied for silicon based MEMS fabrication. Nowadays, alternative manufac...