Simple replication methods for producing nanoslits in thermoplastics and the transport dynamics of double-stranded DNA through these slits.

Mixed-scale nano- and microfluidic networks were fabricated in thermoplastics using simple and robust methods that did not require the use of sophisticated equipment to produce the nanostructures. High-precision micromilling (HPMM) and photolithography were used to generate mixed-scale molding tools that were subsequently used for producing fluidic networks into thermoplastics such as poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, cyclic olefin copolymer, COC, and polycarbonate, PC. Nanoslit arrays were imprinted into the polymer using a nanoimprinting tool, which was composed of an optical mask with patterns that were 2-7 µm in width and a depth defined by the Cr layer (100 nm), which was deposited onto glass.

Fabrication of a cyclic olefin copolymer planar waveguide embedded in a multi-channel poly(methyl methacrylate) fluidic chip for evanescence excitation.

The fabrication and characterization of a novel cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) waveguide embedded in a poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, fluidic chip configured in a multi-channel format with an integrated monolithic prism for evanescent fluorescence excitation are reported. The fabrication approach allowed the embedded waveguide to be situated orthogonal to a series of fluidic channels within the PMMA wafer to sample fluorescent solutions in these channels using the evanescence properties of the waveguide. Construction of the device was achieved using several fabrication techniques including high precision micromilling, hot embossing and stenciling of a polymer melt to form the waveguide and coupling prism.

Microfluidic package design for magnetoresistive biosensors.

In order for Magnetoresistive Biosensor technology to become a mainstream product for clinical and consumer use, several outstanding technical issues must be solved. This paper will focus on one of those issues, which is the need to adapt standard semiconductor packaging processes to fall within some biosensor fabrication process constraints. A set of materials and interconnection methods that meet these biosensor requirements are presented.

Polymer microfluidic chips with integrated waveguides for reading microarrays.

A microfluidic chip with an integrated planar waveguide was fabricated in poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, using a single-step, double-sided hot-embossing approach. The waveguide was embedded in air on three sides, the solution being interrogated on the fourth. DNA probes were covalently attached to the waveguide surface by plasma activating the PMMA and the use of carbodiimide coupling chemistry.