Abstract

A High-Density, Standardized, Mass-Producible Connector

Trevor McQueen, Professor, Foothill College

Given the sheer scale of the diversity of chips in the microfluidic markets, a standardized, off-the-shelf connector capable of serving all or even a majority of the commercial uses has proven elusive. In this talk, we will present our group’s approach toward the mass production of a universal high- and low-pressure connector capable of interfacing with 800 different 1/32” liquid lines at a 1.5mm pitch and sealing up to 150psi, along with a side-by-side comparison of various manufacturing methods and their scalability. These include methods such as 3D printing and injection molding. To illustrate the clear need for such technology, we will discuss the advantages and drawbacks a universal connector such as ours will provide beyond the economy of scales. Finally, we will explore how with sufficiently large-production volumes a truly reliable, yet disposable, high-density connector can open up new frontiers in personalized medicine and how that can revolutionize the reach of lab-on-a-chip in the medical diagnostics field.