Abstract

Latest Advancements in Microfluidic Flow Control and Microfabrication Technologies for Diagnostic, Organ-on-Chip and MEMS Applications

Marko Blom, Chief Technical Officer, Micronit Microtechnologies

We will present the latest advances in flow control, together with commercially and scientifically relevant examples. Flow control will be discussed in a broad sense showing membrane-based valves and capillary flow control. We will show integrated membrane valve examples realized via adhesive-free techniques, combining a range of validated thermoplastic and elastomeric materials, with actuation via pneumatic but also via other means. Furthermore, we will present integration of the electrostatic triggering mechanism of a capillary burst valve in a low-cost, thermoplastic chip, enabling sequential capillary flow in fully autonomous Point-of-Care devices. On the chip design and fabrication side we will show workflow automation for the chip and process design process, partially enabled by recently initiated ISO standardization efforts. Combined with this we will present standardized top-down and edge-connect micro-to-micro and micro-to-macro fluidic and electrical interfacing. Finally, we will show new fabrication technologies using laser-based processing, next to integration techniques particularly relevant to the Organ-on-Chip field, integrating membranes and sensing elements, among others enabling TEER (transepithelial electrical resistance) and oxygen sensing.