3D Micromixer

Abstract

This paper presents the fabrication of a 3D microchannel whose sidewalls and bottom surface are patterned with ratchets using a modified 3D molding process. In the modified 3D molding process the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is first patterned using a brass mold having ratchet structures. Then PDMS prepolymer was spin coated over the surface of micropatterned PMMA and cured followed by the primary molding using a brass mold having a T-conjunction protrusion. After primary molding demolding was done by first demolding the brass mold and then peeling off PDMS stamp from PMMA substrate. By setting a 45° angle between direction of ratchets patterned on the surface of PMMA and the brass mold protrusion prior to primary molding 45° slanted ratchets were formed on the sidewall and bottom surface of microchannel using the modified 3D molding. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show a successful integration of micropatterns inside the microchannel. Holes were drilled in the inlet and outlet area of the 3D channel before bonding. A solvent bonding technique was used for bonding of 3D channel to a plain cover plate. After bonding capillary tubes were inserted into the holes and glued to the chip using an epoxy glue. For characterization of mixing fluorescence intensity was quantified in the 3D microchannel as deionized water and fluorescein dye injected from different inlets of 3D micromixer were mixed along the 3D microchannel and mixing efficiency was calculated. The results were compared with the data obtained for similar microdevice whose surfaces were not patterned. The results demonstrate at a specific flow rate a faster mixing occurs in a microdevice whose sidewall and bottom surface are patterned with slanted 45° ratchets.