Abstract

Ultrafast, Low-resource, Cost-effective Rapid-prototyping and Assembly Techniques for Accelerated Translation of Lab-On-Chip Microfluidic Devices: Novel and Revisited Concepts

Maiwenn Kersaudy-Kerhoas, Assistant Professor, Heriot Watt University

The rapid translation of research from bench to bedside, as well as the generation of commercial impact, has never been more important for both academic and industrial researchers. It is therefore unsurprising that more and more microfluidic groups are investigating research using a wide range of thermoplastics which can be readily translated to large-scale manufacturing if the technology is taken to commercialisation. A number of challenges remain.   Bonding  – While structuring, via additive or subtractive manufacturing, is becoming relatively easy through the use of commercial-grade devices, safe, reliable and fast assembly remains a challenge. We revisited an old concept of solvent-assisted thermal bonding and demonstrated the fastest microfluidic rapid-prototyping cycles of 15 min from design to test with excellent bonding strength, reproducibility and practical performances Interconnects – Not all microscopic features can be rapid-prototyped reproducibly and rapidly. An analogy to microelectronic packaging will be developed and a new assembly concept will be proposed to interconnect commercial microchips with fluid handling platforms for cost-effective reproducible results.  Sustainability – In area of disposable low-cost diagnostics achieved with plastic chips surprisingly few research groups  are taking an interest into the issue of product sustainability. We demonstrate a novel rapid-prototyping solution with high sustainability credentials.