A Simple and Low-Cost Method for Fabrication of Polydimethylsiloxane Microfludic Chips

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 5635-5641
Author(s):  
Linlin Sun ◽  
Likang Zhang ◽  
Xue Yang ◽  
Biyao Zhang ◽  
Zhifu Yin
Keyword(s):  
Laser Power ◽  
Oxygen Plasma ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Microfluidic Chips ◽  
Protein Enrichment ◽  
Easy Method ◽  
Bonding Quality ◽  
Low Dimension

The conventional fabrication methods for enrichment microfluidic devices require cleanroom, which are costly and time-consuming. Developing a facile and low-cost method to fabricate microfluidic chips could stimulate the progress of the applications of those chips. Here, we present an easy method for fabrication of a complete PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) microfluidic chip used for ion and protein enrichment. The method consists of three main fabrication steps: PDMS microchannels ablation by co2 laser, nation membrane deposition, and oxygen plasma assist bonding under pressure. To fabricate a desired microchannel, the laser ablation parameters, containing laser power and ablation speed, were analyzed. The parameters for oxygen plasma assist bonding were also investigated to improve the bonding quality of the chips (low dimension loss and high bonding strength). The following Rhodamine B enrichment tests demonstrate that the presented method allows fabrication of microfluidic chips with precise dimensions and leakage free.

Reliable and reusable whole polypropylene plastic microfluidic devices for a rapid, low-cost antimicrobial susceptibility test

Lab on a Chip ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (17) ◽  
pp. 2915-2924 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Sun ◽  
Chiu-Wing Chan ◽  
Yisu Wang ◽  
Xiao Yao ◽  
Xuan Mu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Practical Method ◽  
Susceptibility Test ◽  
Microfluidic Chips ◽  
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test ◽  
Commercial Use

Using an antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) as an example, this work demonstrates a practical method to fabricate microfluidic chips entirely from polypropylene (PP) and the benefits for potential commercial use.

scholarly journals A Low-Cost 3-in-1 3D Printer as a Tool for the Fabrication of Flow-Through Channels of Microfluidic Systems

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 947
Author(s):  
Thana Thaweskulchai ◽  
Albert Schulte
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Numerical Control ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Microfluidic Chips ◽  
Cnc Milling ◽  
Educational Work ◽  
Solution Flow ◽  
3D Printers ◽  
User Friendly

Recently published studies have shown that microfluidic devices fabricated by in-house three-dimensional (3D) printing, computer numerical control (CNC) milling and laser engraving have a good quality of performance. The 3-in-1 3D printers, desktop machines that integrate the three primary functions in a single user-friendly set-up are now available for computer-controlled adaptable surface processing, for less than USD 1000. Here, we demonstrate that 3-in-1 3D printer-based micromachining is an effective strategy for creating microfluidic devices and an easier and more economical alternative to, for instance, conventional photolithography. Our aim was to produce plastic microfluidic chips with engraved microchannel structures or micro-structured plastic molds for casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips with microchannel imprints. The reproducability and accuracy of fabrication of microfluidic chips with straight, crossed line and Y-shaped microchannel designs were assessed and their microfluidic performance checked by liquid stream tests. All three fabrication methods of the 3-in-1 3D printer produced functional microchannel devices with adequate solution flow. Accordingly, 3-in-1 3D printers are recommended as cheap, accessible and user-friendly tools that can be operated with minimal training and little starting knowledge to successfully fabricate basic microfluidic devices that are suitable for educational work or rapid prototyping.

scholarly journals Soft tubular microfluidics for 2D and 3D applications

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (40) ◽  
pp. 10590-10595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wang Xi ◽  
Fang Kong ◽  
Joo Chuan Yeo ◽  
Longteng Yu ◽  
Surabhi Sonam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Soft Lithography ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Microfluidic Chips ◽  
Microfluidic Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
2D And 3D ◽  
3D Applications

Microfluidics has been the key component for many applications, including biomedical devices, chemical processors, microactuators, and even wearable devices. This technology relies on soft lithography fabrication which requires cleanroom facilities. Although popular, this method is expensive and labor-intensive. Furthermore, current conventional microfluidic chips precludes reconfiguration, making reiterations in design very time-consuming and costly. To address these intrinsic drawbacks of microfabrication, we present an alternative solution for the rapid prototyping of microfluidic elements such as microtubes, valves, and pumps. In addition, we demonstrate how microtubes with channels of various lengths and cross-sections can be attached modularly into 2D and 3D microfluidic systems for functional applications. We introduce a facile method of fabricating elastomeric microtubes as the basic building blocks for microfluidic devices. These microtubes are transparent, biocompatible, highly deformable, and customizable to various sizes and cross-sectional geometries. By configuring the microtubes into deterministic geometry, we enable rapid, low-cost formation of microfluidic assemblies without compromising their precision and functionality. We demonstrate configurable 2D and 3D microfluidic systems for applications in different domains. These include microparticle sorting, microdroplet generation, biocatalytic micromotor, triboelectric sensor, and even wearable sensing. Our approach, termed soft tubular microfluidics, provides a simple, cheaper, and faster solution for users lacking proficiency and access to cleanroom facilities to design and rapidly construct microfluidic devices for their various applications and needs.

scholarly journals Warpage Characterization of Microchannels Fabricated by Injection Molding

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbaros Çetin ◽  
A. Koray Koska ◽  
Merve Erdal
Keyword(s):  
Injection Molding ◽  
Microfluidic Device ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Mold Temperature ◽  
Mass Scale ◽  
Injection Molding Process ◽  
Maximum Point ◽  
Molding Process ◽  
Bonding Quality

Mass-production of microfluidic devices is important for biomedical applications in which disposable devices are widely used. Injection molding is a well-known process for the production of devices on a mass scale at low-cost. In this study, the injection molding process is adapted for the fabrication of a microfluidic device with a single microchannel. To increase the product quality, high-precision mechanical machining is utilized for the manufacturing of the mold of the microfluidic device. A conventional injection molding machine is implemented in the process. Injection molding was performed at different mold temperatures. The warpage of the injected pieces was characterized by measuring the part deformation. The effect of the mold temperature on the quality of the final device was assessed in terms of the part deformation and bonding quality. From the experimental results, one-to-one correspondence between the warpage and the bonding quality of the molded pieces was observed. It was found that as the warpage of the pieces decreases, the bonding quality increases. A maximum point for the breaking pressure of the bonding and the minimum point for the warpage were found at the same mold temperature. This mold temperature was named as the optimum temperature for the designed microfluidic device. It was observed that the produced microfluidic devices at the mold temperature of 45 °C were able to withstand pressures up to 74 bar.

Effect of Computerized Auditory Training on Speech Perception of Adults With Hearing Impairment

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Pizarek ◽  
Valeriy Shafiro ◽  
Patricia McCarthy
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Speech Perception ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
Auditory Training ◽  
Hearing Impairments ◽  
Communicative Disorders ◽  
And Training

Computerized auditory training (CAT) is a convenient, low-cost approach to improving communication of individuals with hearing loss or other communicative disorders. A number of CAT programs are being marketed to patients and audiologists. The present literature review is an examination of evidence for the effectiveness of CAT in improving speech perception in adults with hearing impairments. Six current CAT programs, used in 9 published studies, were reviewed. In all 9 studies, some benefit of CAT for speech perception was demonstrated. Although these results are encouraging, the overall quality of available evidence remains low, and many programs currently on the market have not yet been evaluated. Thus, caution is needed when selecting CAT programs for specific patients. It is hoped that future researchers will (a) examine a greater number of CAT programs using more rigorous experimental designs, (b) determine which program features and training regimens are most effective, and (c) indicate which patients may benefit from CAT the most.

The system of indicators of the quality of the carbon-carbon composite materials and technologies of their production

2018 ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
T. N. Antipova ◽  
D. S. Shiroyan
Keyword(s):  
Composite Material ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Carbon Matrix ◽  
Carbon Composite ◽  
Optimal Number ◽  
Laboratory Equipment ◽  
Carbon Composite Material ◽  
Carbon Composite Materials

The system of indicators of quality of carbon-carbon composite material and technological operations of its production is proved in the work. As a result of the experimental studies, with respect to the existing laboratory equipment, the optimal number of cycles of saturation of the reinforcing frame with a carbon matrix is determined. It was found that to obtain a carbon-carbon composite material with a low cost and the required quality indicators, it is necessary to introduce additional parameters of the pitch melt at the impregnation stage.

scholarly journals Strategy for fast manufacturing of 3D hydrodynamic focusing multilayer microfluidic chips and its application for flow-based synthesis of gold nanoparticles

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanwei Wang ◽  
Michael Seidel
Keyword(s):  
Gold Nanoparticles ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Microfluidic Chips ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Hydrodynamic Focusing ◽  
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive ◽  
Pmma Sheet ◽  
Pressure Sensitive ◽  
Working Device ◽  
Channel Structures

AbstractFabrication of 3D microfluidic devices is normally quite expensive and tedious. A strategy was established to rapidly and effectively produce multilayer 3D microfluidic chips which are made of two layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) sheets and three layers of double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes. The channel structures were cut in each layer by cutting plotter before assembly. The structured channels were covered by a PMMA sheet on top and a PMMA carrier which contained threads to connect with tubing. A large variety of PMMA slides and PSA tapes can easily be designed and cut with the help of a cutting plotter. The microfluidic chip was manually assembled by a simple lamination process.The complete fabrication process from device design concept to working device can be completed in minutes without the need of expensive equipment such as laser, thermal lamination, and cleanroom. This rapid frabrication method was applied for design of a 3D hydrodynamic focusing device for synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as proof-of-concept. The fouling of AuNPs was prevented by means of a sheath flow. Different parameters such as flow rate and concentration of reagents were controlled to achieve AuNPs of various sizes. The sheet-based fabrication method offers a possibility to create complex microfluidic devices in a rapid, cheap and easy way.

scholarly journals Microfabrication with Very Low-Average Power of Green Light to Produce PDMS Microchips

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 607
Author(s):  
Lucero M. Hernandez-Cedillo ◽  
Francisco G. Vázquez-Cuevas ◽  
Rafael Quintero-Torres ◽  
Jose L. Aragón ◽  
Miguel Angel Ocampo Mortera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Average Power ◽  
Green Light ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Processing Parameters ◽  
Coating Film ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Dimethyl Siloxane ◽  
Visible Laser ◽  
High Absorption

In this article, we show an alternative low-cost fabrication method to obtain poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices. The proposed method allows the inscription of micron resolution channels on polystyrene (PS) surfaces, used as a mold for the wanted microchip’s production, by applying a high absorption coating film on the PS surface to ablate it with a focused low-power visible laser. The method allows for obtaining micro-resolution channels at powers between 2 and 10 mW and can realize any two-dimensional polymeric devices. The effect of the main processing parameters on the channel’s geometry is presented.

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