Chip capillary network manufacturing process uses laser beam to melt or polymerise structural layer applied to supporting plate forming capillary channel base

摘要

The process consists of applying a layer of a fusible or polymerisable structural material in the form of a gel or film to the surface of a supporting plate (14) e.g. of glass or quartz that forms the base of the capillary channels (12), and focusing and moving a laser beam over predetermined zones of the structural layer to melt or polymerise the material and form the side walls (18) of the capillary channels. Once the side walls have set the channels are closed by a cover plate (16) that forms the upper surfaces of the channels. Stages of the process can be repeated to create capillary channels with the required depth, and chemical or biological molecules can be fixed in the channels on the supporting plate before they are covered.