Soft tubular microfluidics for 2D and 3D applications
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10590.full.pdf
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1.09 MB
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Author(s)
Xi, Wang
Kong, Fang
Yeo, Joo Chuan
Yu, Longteng
Sonam, Surabhi
Dao, Ming
Gong, Xiaobo
Lim, Chwee Teck
Date Issued
July 2017
Journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Publisher
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Citation
Xi, Wang, et al. “Soft Tubular Microfluidics for 2D and 3D Applications.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 114, no. 40, Oct. 2017, pp. 10590–95. © 2017, National Academy of Sciences
Version
Final published version
Abstract
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. Keywords: flexible microfluidics, elastomeric microtubes, microfluidic assemblies,
inertial focusing chip, microfluidic sensor
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering
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Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1073/PNAS.1712195114
