Same Day Microfluidics: Design and Fabrication in Under Three Hours

Microfluidic devices are used in numerous scientific fields and research areas and a fantastic teaching tool for fabrication and laminar flow. However, typically device fabrication is a time and resource intensive process largely confined to the cleanroom or similarly well equipped research laboratory. Due to this many instructional laboratories are unable to include microfluidics in the curriculum. This talk outlines a method to create microfluidic devices in under three hours using the silicone polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a laser cut positive master using PDMS double casting. This method can be taught to an undergraduate student and used in an instructional laboratory setting with a modest budget, no cleanroom or other large capital equipment required. The method will be outlined with timing, materials, equipment, and technical considerations for each step and demonstrated in the context of a Y-channel flow-focusing device.