Apparatus and methods for microfluidic applications

摘要

Non-rigid tape apparatus and fabrication methods for microfluidic processing applications such as gel electrophoresis are provided, where microfluidic processing is performed on selected areas. Parts of the tape are formed by high pressure plastic film forming. Membranes and other structures are self sealing during and after penetration by pipettes and electrical probes. Rigid exoskeleton elements protect the non-rigid parts during processing and facilitate transport of the tape.

主权项

1. A method of forming a microfluidic processing apparatus, the method comprising:
providing a flexible tape; deforming the tape using high pressure thermoforming to create a microfluidic processing area having at least one three-dimensional processing element from the deformed tape; attaching the deformed tape having the microfluidic processing area on a support layer; and printing a pattern on the tape before deforming the tape, wherein the pattern is distorted by deforming the tape to provide the at least one three-dimensional processing element.