One of the most important area of research in microfluidic technologies focuses on the identification and characterisation
of novel materials with enhanced properties and versatility. Here we present a fast, easy and inexpensive microstructuration
method for the fabrication of novel, flexible, transparent and biocompatible microfluidic devices. Using a simple
hot-press, we demonstrate the rapid (30s) production of various microfluidic prototypes embossed in a commercially-available
soft thermoplastic elastomer (sTPE). This styrenic block copolymer (BCP) material is as flexible as PDMS and as
thermoformable as classical thermoplastics. It exhibits high fidelity in replication using SU–8 and epoxy master
molds in a highly convenient low-isobar (0.4 bar) and iso-thermal process. Microfluidic devices can then be easily
sealed using either a simple hot plate or even room-temperature assembly, allowing them so sustain liquid pressure
of 2 and 0.6 bars respectively. The excellent sorption and biocompatibility properties of the microchips were validated
via a standard rhodamine dye assay as well as a sensitive yeast cell-based assay. The morphology and composition of
the surface area after plasma treatment for hydrophilization purposes are stable and show constant and homogenous
distribution of the block nanodomains (∼ 22° after 4 days). These domains, which are evenly distributed at the nanoscale,
therefore account for a uniform and convenient surface at a “microfluidic scale device”. To our knowledge, this is
the first thermoplastic elastomer material that can be used for fast and reliable fabrication and assembly of
microdevices while maintaining a high and stable hydrophilicity.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)