Low-cost rapid prototyping of flexible microfluidic devices using a desktop digital craft cutter

Abstract

Low-cost and straight forward rapid prototyping of flexible microfluidic devices using a desktop digital craft cutter is presented. This rapid prototyping method can consistently achieve microchannels as thin as 200 microm in width and can be used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic devices using only double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape and laser printer transparency film. Various functional microfluidic devices are demonstrated with this rapid prototyping method. The complete fabrication process from device design concept to working device can be completed in minutes without the need of expensive equipment.

Porous polymer particles—A comprehensive guide to synthesis, characterization, functionalization and applications

“…Theoretically, monodisperse particles with few µmeters in diameter should be possible to achieve via this type of devices since down to 2 µm internal diameter capillaries are commercially available. Few other type of devices are also reported in the literature [196][197][198].…”

Rapid assembly of multilayer microfluidic structures via 3D-printed transfer molding and bonding

“…For example, various groups have used 3D printers to fabricate simple microfluidic devices with truly 3D geometries, including microfluidic devices without moving elements, such as resistors 20 and modular components 21 , as well as those with movable components, such as capacitors, diodes, and transistors 22 . Currently, the field of 3D-printed microfluidics is limited by the following: (1) the available resolution of the printer 20 ; (2) surface roughness 23,24 ; and (3) material types 25,26 ; however, 3D printing technologies are expected to rapidly advance and address these matters in the coming years. For further details on current 3D printer capabilities, including printer resolution and surface roughness, see reviews in Refs.…”

A simple method of fabricating mask-free microfluidic devices for biological analysis

“…An alternative fabricating method is realized with double-side pressure sensitive adhesive ͑PSA͒ tape. 18,29 This method inherits the advantages of print-to-cast as low-cost, straightforward, and rapid. Continuous flow could be formed as it was in PDMS devices.…”

“…One kind of these methods is "print-to-cast," [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] with which microfluidic devices are usually made with paper, transparent overhead-projector film, polymethyl methacrylate ͑PMMA͒ plate, and other inexpensive, easily machinable and accessible materials. [23][24][25][26][27][28] Taking the thermal printer-based chip fabrication process, for example, 16 it utilizes a wax printer to directly pattern hydrophobic walls of wax in the hydrophilic paper.…”