Microfluidics from the Concept to a Product: Fabrication Technologies and Commercialisation Strategies

27 Mar 2012, at 14:00-17:30 in Edinburgh

Who Should Attend?
The course is suitable for scientists, technicians, engineers but also business developers who would like to develop a deeper understanding of the manufacturing technologies for microfluidic devices and the strategies for their commercialization. The course covers both the various microfabrication technologies used of the manufacturing of microfluidic devices in different materials (polymers, silicon, glass) as well as economic aspects in development, manufacturing and market introduction.

Learning Objectives
Understand the process of material selection for a microfluidic device.
Understand different microfabrication methods for materials such as glass, silicon and polymers for low and high volume production.
Understand economic aspects in the development and manufacturing of microfluidic devices and systems.
Learn about examples of successful and unsuccessful microfluidic product introductions.
Understand the current state of the markets and obstacles in the commercialization process.


Topics and Course Organisation
1. Introduction
2. A Brief History of Microfabrication
3. Some thoughts on commercialisation
4. Challenges in Material Selection
5. Photostructuring
6. Silicon Microfabrication
7. Glass Microfabrication
8. Polymer Replication Techniques
9. Further Structuring Techniques
10. Back-End Processing
11. Product examples
12. Design Advice
13. Case study
14. Conclusions