A cost effective, re-configurable electrokinetic microfluidic chip platform

Abstract

A reconfigurable microfluidic chip system is described which facilitates multiple electrode contacts to a PDMS micro-fluidic chip. The PDMS micro-channels are reversibly bonded on to the chip, and are readily removed for cleaning, changing analytes or to allow different micro-fluidic channel or electrode geometries to be used. Up to 60 independent electrical connections to the on-chip microelectrodes are provided by a zero insertion force connector (ZIF). As well as forming a reliable electrical connection, the ZIF socket allows the quick and easy changing of chips. The system is flexible and ideal for many different types of electrokinetic research. The system allows cost effective, rapid prototyping of both microelectrode designs and microfluidic systems using standard microfabrication techniques, available to most research groups.