Abstract
Microfluidic automation technology is at a stage where the complexity and cost of external hardware control often impose severe limitations on the size and functionality of microfluidic systems. Developments in autonomous microfluidics are intended to eliminate off-chip controls to enable scalable systems. Timing is a fundamental component of the digital logic required to manipulate fluidic flow. The authors present a self-driven pneumatic ring oscillator manufactured by assembling an elastomeric sheet of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) between two laser-engraved polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) layers via surface activation through treatment with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The frequency of the fabricated oscillators is in the range of 3–7.5 Hz with a maximum of 14 min constant frequency syringe-powered operation. The control of a fluidic channel with the oscillator stages is demonstrated. The fabrication process represents an improvement in manufacturability compared to previous molding or etching approaches, and the resulting devices are inexpensive and portable, making the technology potentially applicable for wider use.
Highlights
Microfluidic automation can feature large arrays of valves and pumps performing multiple analyses for diagnostic assays and biological applications [1]
Device layers of the three-stage pneumatic ring oscillator are fabricated by laser engraving (CO2 laser VersaLaser, Universal Laser Systems, Scottsdale, AZ, USA; 10.2 μm wavelength; 10–60 W power) in PMMA (Astari-Niagara, Jakarta, Indonesia; 0.125-in thick)
The authors fabricated a plastic pneumatic oscillator circuit that showed both long-term stability of frequency and robustness of operation, the resolution of the laser engraver used did not allow for high-density fabrication
Summary
Microfluidic automation can feature large arrays of valves and pumps performing multiple analyses for diagnostic assays and biological applications [1]. In order to drastically reduce off-chip connections, researchers have explored the integration of microfluidic logic control elements on chip of varying complexity [5,6,7,8] with the aim of facilitating the development of simple-to-use, portable devices. These circuits have been fabricated with time and labor-intensive techniques such as soft lithography [9] and glass etching, limiting the manufacturability and mass production capability. Computer numerical control (CNC) milling [11]
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