Abstract
An advanced process of free angle photolithography (FAPL) is used for making 3D supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF) structures and transfer them to the polymeric chip by injection molding for low-cost microfluidic devices with the embedded optical sensing. The FAPL was performed via a motorized stage to control the angle of incidence of light and achieve the desired shape with dimension from 50 μm to 150 μm and slope required for the 3D optical structure. These 3D structures are used for enhancement of fluorescent signal through the unique properties of SAF. The presented SAF structure has a reduced active area (50 μm) that allows enrichment of the fluorescence efficiency and reduces the amount of sample required for detection on the polymeric microfluidic chip. Herein, we are presenting reduced dimension of SAF structures, fabricated by FAPL process and increases the number of SAF per mm2 area. This also reduced the volume of sample required per test. Improvement in the limit of detections (LOD) is observed when using the small dimensions of SAF. Solid phase polymerase chain reaction (SP-PCR) on these SAF structures permits for on-chip pathogen detection. These 3D structures have the potential to be widely used in microfluidic chips as a tool for signal enrichment and low-cost point of care systems for optical detection.
Highlights
In recent years various polymer lab-on-a-chip systems have been produced and commercialized with the final goal of obtaining systems that are disposable and compatible with large-scale production [1]
To reduce the surface defects, which are created during micro milling, and defects during the conventional photolithography process, we demonstrated the use of FAPL process to produce 3D structures with smoother surface and fewer defects
T In our previous work, we presented the fabrication of supercritical angle IP fluorescence (SAF) microstructures in polymer by means of injection molding with a R micro-milled stamp using micro-milling method [13]
Summary
In recent years various polymer lab-on-a-chip systems have been produced and commercialized with the final goal of obtaining systems that are disposable and compatible with large-scale production [1]. Before making a R disposable chip mold, one should first think of making a suitable quality (smoother C surface and easy to replicate) mold for fabrication of chip. Methods such as micro S milling, 3D laser cutting and laser milling are developed to fabricate molds for a costU effective polymeric chip.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
