Developing microfabrication methods for volume production of plastic microfluidic devices

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Microscale technologies are compact, easy to use, and often have more functions than traditional technologies, and are thus being used increasingly for biomedical applications such as in labs and clinics for analyzing biological materials. The biomedical device industry is highly interested in developing the next generation of microscale technologies, but advancing the technology from test prototype to commercial product is challenging because it requires the ability to make these devices out of low-cost, abundant, and manufacturable raw materials like plastics. Bio-Rad Laboratories Canada is a global company that makes tools and instruments for analyzing biological materials, and is currently faced with the problem of converting microscale test prototypes, which are easy to make out of silicone-based polymers in small batches, into plastic products that can be manufactured in large volumes. The main goal of this project is to address this problem by developing innovative fabrication procedures for making plastic microscale devices, with potential to scale up the procedures for high volume manufacturing. To achieve this, a combination of microfabrication methods such as epoxy molding, hot embossing, and solvent bonding will be tested, optimized and integrated into a streamlined workflow. Development of practical and scalable fabrication procedures for plastics will enable a smoother transition from prototype to product, accelerate the advancement of microscale technologies, and help to maintain lower production costs. Ultimately, this will benefit the larger biomedical device industry, and allow companies like Bio-Rad to continue developing and distributing innovative tools and instruments in Canada and worldwide, and maintain their standing as a global leader in the industry.