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A 2D microfluidic device with “sticky” regions for containing and mixing fluids.
About
Inventors at Georgia Tech have fabricated a flexible superhydrophobic, roll-off, paper with “sticky” regions to control the storage, mobility, and transport of liquid drops for microfluidic applications. The roll-off paper is prepared by plasma etching regular paper. Patterns are printed onto the roll-off paper using a desktop printer to create “sticky” regions, regions of variable adhesive force where fluid can be held in place or mixed. These “sticky” regions on the non-sticky roll-off surfaces allow for precise control and confinement of fluid drops through the pattern printed on the paper.
Key Benefits
Versatile – allows for flexibility of paper and any array of “sticky” dots and lines Simpler – space saving alternative to three-dimensional microfluidic products Cheaper – made using paper and simple application process for “sticky” regions Environmentally Friendly – made using paper, a renewable biopolymer Cleaner – self-cleaning properties of the “roll-off” paper help to prevent contamination
Applications
Lab-on-chip devices Personal diagnostic kits Relief-aid diagnostic kits and medical equipment