Implementation of microfluidic devices at a transparency

Abstract

We have developed a scanning laser manufacturing technique to produce microfluidic structures directly on photocopy transparency films. The reasons for the selection of transparency include (i) its insignificant water diffusion and vapor loss characteristics, (ii) its reduced viscoelastic behavior and (iii) its very low cost. The stiffness of the transparency membrane can be carefully tailored by adjusting laser ablation power. To show the feasibility of the approach, we have fabricated membrane valves on the transparency, and demonstrated a peristaltic micro-pumping system. Our investigation offers the potential for developing new types of very low-cost disposable devices including flexible microfluidic systems.

A mathematical model for the motion analysis of embedded straight microcantilevers under a pressure-driven flow

“…The variation of the hydrodynamic force at the tip for each cantilever length is shown in figure 9 and does not show a linear dependence with the pressure. According to Hooke's Law, equation (12), which relates small deflections of an elastic system with the applied force, this implies that the deflection will not be linear with the pressure, which is in disagreement with the results obtained in [5]. The corresponding values of deflection have been compared with experimental measurements, as shown in figures 10(a) and (b).…”

“…non-parabolic. In order to make a more realistic approach, the velocity profile of a pressure-driven flow [12] is used. Then, upon substitution into equation ( 9), the distribution of the force along the length of the structure can be estimated.…”

Shrink film patterning by craft cutter: complete plastic chips with high resolution/high-aspect ratio channel

“…8,9 While laser ablation is a promising new, more economical approach, interactions between the laser light and the polymer can induce unwanted surface modifications and are limited in resolution to the spot size of the laser. [9][10][11] The use of laminated polymers to form stacked layers that ultimately define the components of a microfluidic chip offers several advantages to hot embossing, injection molding, laser ablation, and casting. These advantages include time of fabrication, reproducibility, low-cost, and strong, biocompatible bonds between layers.…”