Abstract
We report in this work a novel reversible bonding technique for elastomeric microfluidic devices by integrating gecko-inspired dry adhesives with microfluidic channels which greatly enhances the bonding strength of reversibly sealed channels. The concept is applicable to nearly any elastomer and can be used to bond against any smooth surface which allows for van der Waals interactions. It does not require any solvents or glues or sources for plasma activation or thermal-compressive loading to aid the bonding process and is achievable at zero extra cost. We also demonstrate a quick fabrication technique involving soft master thermo-compressive molding of these microfluidic devices with thermoplastic elastomers. The resultant devices can be used for both pressure driven and non-pressure driven flows. We report the maximum contained pressure of these devices manufactured from two grades of styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) by conducting a burst pressure test with various substrates.
Highlights
Elastomers have been used for microfluidics as they offer easier processing parameters and decent range of properties to choose from
Though PDMS continues to be a standard material for elastomeric microfluidic devices in an academic setting, its weaknesses as a material for industrial application and manufacturing scalability have been well known for a while.[3,4,5]
As a response to these limitations of PDMS, alternative materials such as styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) thermoplastic elastomers are more frequently being used in microfluidics as they combine similar mechanical properties with thermoplastic processing techniques.[6,7,8]
Summary
Elastomers have been used for microfluidics as they offer easier processing parameters and decent range of properties to choose from. With more and more complex microfluidic systems being developed for either larger number of processing steps or multiplexing, valves will remain an integral part of microfluidics, and elastomers are the only class of polymers which can support the well-established valves.[1,2] Though PDMS continues to be a standard material for elastomeric microfluidic devices in an academic setting, its weaknesses as a material for industrial application and manufacturing scalability have been well known for a while.[3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call