Rapid prototyping for high-pressure microfluidics

Soft lithography has permitted rapid prototyping of precise microfluidic features by patterning a deformable elastomer such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a photolithographically patterned mold. In microfluidics applications where the flexibility of PDMS is a drawback, a variety of more rigid materials have been proposed. Compared to alternatives, devices fabricated from epoxy and glass have superior mechanical performance, feature resolution, and solvent compatibility. Here we provide a detailed step-by-step method for fabricating rigid microfluidic devices from soft lithography patterned epoxy and glass. The bonding protocol was optimized yielding devices that withstand pressures exceeding 500 psi. Using this method, we demonstrate the use of rigid high aspect ratio spiral microchannels for high throughput cell focusing.

Automated summary

Soft lithography allows rapid prototyping of precise microfluidic features using a deformable elastomer like polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). However, for applications where flexibility of PDMS is a drawback, more rigid materials like epoxy and glass have been proposed. Devices fabricated from epoxy and glass offer superior mechanical performance, feature resolution, and solvent compatibility compared to alternatives. This article presents a detailed step-by-step method for fabricating rigid microfluidic devices from soft lithography patterned epoxy and glass, demonstrating their use in high throughput cell focusing with rigid high aspect ratio spiral microchannels.