Purdue University researchers develop innovative method for creating microfluidic devices
Huachao Mao and his team at Purdue University’s Polytechnic college have developed a cost-effective method for fabricating multilevel microfluidic devices as small as 10 microns deep and 100 microns wide. These devices are used for analyzing small volumes of materials rapidly and accurately in fields like biomedical research, environmental testing, and manufacturing.
The patented innovation, using vat photopolymerization (VPP) technology, improves upon traditional fabrication methods and 3D printing by allowing for the direct fabrication of highly transparent microfluidics with higher resolution. This breakthrough could accelerate biomedical research by enabling precise control of fluid flow and reaction conditions at the microliter or nanoliter scale, ultimately improving the accuracy and speed of diagnostic tests.
Mao emphasized that the new method is more cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional fabrication processes, which often require multiple steps, high-end equipment, and cleanroom environments. The research was conducted in Purdue Polytechnic’s Additive and Intelligent Manufacturing Lab, showcasing the university’s commitment to cutting-edge technological advancements in various fields.
The potential applications of this innovation are vast, ranging from cancer cell analysis and drug screenings to point-of-care diagnostics and single-cell isolation. The impact of this research could revolutionize the way microfluidic devices are fabricated and utilized in diverse industries.
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