Validation of Easy Fabrication Methods for PDMS-Based Microfluidic (Bio)Reactors

The common method for producing casting molds the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips is standard photolithography. This technique offers high resolution from hundreds nanometers to a few micrometers. However, this mold costly, time-consuming, and might require clean room facilities. Additionally, there need non-micromechanics experts, who do not have specialized equipment easily quickly prototype themselves. Simple, so-called, makerspace technologies are increasingly being explored as alternatives that potential enable anyone fabricate microfluidic structures. We therefore tested simple methods PDMS-based device. On one hand, channels were replicated capillaries tape. other different methods, namely laser cutting, fused layer 3D printing, stereolithographic computer numerical control (CNC) milling, validated in terms machine accuracy tightness. Most these already known, but incorporation retention particles with sizes micrometer range been less investigated. two types particles, which actually carriers immobilization enzymes, so resulting reactor could ultimately be used bioreactor. Furthermore, CNC milling provide most reliable method. After some optimization steps regard manufacturing settings post-processing polishing, particle (spherical non-spherical particles). In way, we successfully obtained their applicability (bio)reactors enzyme carrier beads.