Ultra-rapid prototyping of flexible, multi-layered microfluidic devices via razor writing

Lab Chip. 2015 Jan 7;15(1):72-6. doi: 10.1039/c4lc00848k.

Abstract

The fabrication of microfluidic devices is often still a time-consuming and costly process. Here we introduce a very simple and cheap microfabrication process based on "razor writing", also termed xurography, for the ultra-rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices. Thin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membranes are spin-coated on flexible plastic foil and cut into user-defined shapes with a bench-top cutter plotter. The PDMS membranes can then be assembled into desirable microdevices via plasma bonding. The plastic foil allows manipulation of exceptionally thin (30-300 μm) PDMS layers and can be readily peeled after fabrication. This versatile technique can be used to produce a wide variety of microfluidic device prototypes within just a few hours.

MeSH terms

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • Equipment Design
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Dimethylpolysiloxanes
  • baysilon