Microfluidics
Overview
Microfluidics is a fairly new technology that is being developed in numerous sectors of activity, such as medical analysis, medical research and industry, biotechnologies, the food industry, and cosmetics.
Harrick Plasma cleaners are used extensively for the fabrication of microfluidic devices and to provide beneficial surface functionalities in microchannels. Plasma is a partially ionized gas consisting of electrons, ions and neutral atoms or molecules used frequently to remove organic contamination and modify material surface properties. In fabricating microfluidic devices made from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass, an air or oxygen plasma introduces oxygen-containing functional groups, ultimately creating a device surface with silanol groups (SiOH). When placed in contact, the silanol groups react to form siloxane bridges (Si-O-Si) that provide a water-tight seal. Rigid thermoplastic devices can also be bonded in this way with the addition of an intermediate coating such as (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES). In addition to bonding, plasma treatment increases hydrophilicity and improves aqueous fluid flow in microchannels. Harrick Plasma cleaners are used extensively for the fabrication of microfluidic devices and to provide beneficial surface functionalities in microchannels.
In order to satisfy microfluidics researchers, Kloe has developed a wide range of maskless photolithography equipment that guarantees a unique performance to write in thick layers (up to several hundred of microns) with the same rendering, control, and precision as in thin layers.
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