Analytical Sciences


Abstract − Analytical Sciences, 31(12), 1261 (2015).

Low-cost Methods for Making 3D Fluidic Polymer and Glass Chips Using Metal Templates
Tomohisa YAMASHITA, Kazuyuki YASUKAWA, Tomoko KEMMEI, Yuuko HORII, Eriko NAKAYAMA, Tatsuya MURAMOTO, and Hiroshi TAKADA
Toyama Institute of Health, 17-1 Nakataikoyama, Imizu, Toyama 939-0363, Japan
Microfluidics is a rapidly growing field in which small volumes of liquid are moved through channels in a large variety of applications. Fabricating such channels can be expensive. Here, we describe an inexpensive method for making 3D channels in fluidic chips by using a sacrificial template made of coated metal wire or metal tubes. A 3D template is embedded in polymer or glass and then dissolved, leaving channels in the chip, without the need for expensive instruments. By changing the mold, chips of various shapes can be made.