Rapid prototyping of robust and versatile microfluidic components using adhesive transfer tapes

Abstract

A rapid prototyping technique of microfluidic devices is presented using adhesive transfer tapes. Lab on a chip systems can integrate multiple microfluidic functions in a single platform. Therefore, any rapid prototyping technique should be flexible and robust to accommodate different aspects of microfluidic integrations. In this work, the versatility of using adhesive transfer tapes for microfluidic applications is demonstrated by fabricating a wide range of platform. Prototypes demonstrating microfluidic mixing, dielectrophoretic trapping, complex microchannel networks and biologically relevant high temperature reactions were fabricated in less than 30 min. A novel ready to use world-to-chip interface was also developed using the same fabrication platform. All components (e.g. tapes, electrodes, acoustic sources or heaters) were obtained as finished products alleviating any chemical or clean-room specific processing. Only a 2D CAD software, a CO₂ laser cutter and a seam roller was utilized to fabricate the devices. Adhesive transfer tapes provide additional flexibility compared to common double sided tapes as they do not contain any carrier material layer. Demonstrated ability to sustain in a wide range of dynamic physical processes (mechanical, electrical, or thermal) validates the robustness and the versatility of adhesive transfer tapes as an option for developing integrated lab on a chip systems.