Lab researchers developing affordable, flexible, and rapid prototyping option for lab-on-a-chip applications

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Photo of a complex channel network. The inset is a fluorescent microscope image of the channels filled with a fluorescent dye.

September 13, 2010—Los Alamos researchers have demonstrated the ability to fabricate robust components with a variety of microfluidic functions. The process is an affordable, flexible, and rapid prototyping option for lab-on-a-chip applications.

Team members also developed a fabrication process using adhesive transfer tapes, low cost polymeric substrates, and off-the-shelf functional components that did not require a clean room environment. Their method is compatible with commercial manufacturing techniques, such as die cutting and lamination. In addition to laboratory developments, this process can be readily adapted for commercial production schemes with little or no modifications.

Members of the research team include Pulak Nath of Applied Modern Physics (P-21), Yuliya Kunde of Biosecurity and Public Health (B-7), Derek Fung and Brittany Branch of Advanced Measurement Science (B-9), and former Lab scientist Greg Goddard.