Simple, low-cost fabrication of semi-circular channel using the surface tension of solder paste and its application to microfluidic valves

Authors

Sheng Yan, University of WollongongFollow
Yuxing Li, University of Wollongong
Yuanqing Zhu, University of Science and Technology of China
Minsu Liu, Monash University
Qianbin Zhao, University of WollongongFollow
Dan Yuan, University of WollongongFollow
Guolin Yun, University of WollongongFollow
Shiwu Zhang, University of Science and Technology of ChinaFollow
Weijia Wen, Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Shiyang Tang, University of WollongongFollow
Weihua Li, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

125570

Publication Details

Yan, S., Li, Y., Zhu, Y., Liu, M., Zhao, Q., Yuan, D., Yun, G., Zhang, S., Wen, W., Tang, S. & Li, W. (2018). Simple, low-cost fabrication of semi-circular channel using the surface tension of solder paste and its application to microfluidic valves. Electrophoresis, 39 (12), 1460-1465.

Abstract

This work presents a simple, low-cost method to fabricate semi-circular channels using solder paste, which can amalgamate the cooper surface to form a half-cylinder mold using the surface tension of Sn-Pd alloy (the main component in solder paste). This technique enables semi-circular channels to be manufactured with different dimensions. These semi-circular channels will then be integrated with a polymethylmethacrylate frame and machine screws to create miniaturized, portable microfluidic valves for sequential liquid delivery and particle synthesis. This approach avoids complicated fabrication processes and expensive facilities and thus has the potential to be a useful tool for lab-on-a-chip applications.