Lab-on-a-chip device made by autohesion-bonded polymers

Abstract

Polymers have the obvious advantages of flexibility in design and cost effectiveness to fabricate a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) in particular is very attractive choice as it adds biocompatibility in addition to the possibility of hematic sealing in a 3D design. Hereby, we extend our previous successful technology of autohesive hermetic bonding of medical implants into lab-on-a-chip devices. We explore a conceptual 3D micro channels design with hermetic potential using PEEK and PS sheets. A hermetic and mechanically strong (through tensile test) 3D multilayer device was obtained using plasma treatment with oxygen and methane as precursors followed by pressing at temperature near of Tg + 20 of the polymer with the lowest Tg (PS). This nanotexturing technique is also used to facilitate thermal and mechanical stability of the microchannels for microfluidic applications. X-ray tomography measurements showed that 3D polymer made chips, at certain plasma and press bonding conditions, have structural integrity and no deformation were detected in channels shape post thermal pressing process. The dimension stability of channels and reservoirs and the rigid interfacial region at PEEK-PS make this chip design attractive and feasible for advanced lab-on-a-chip applications.

Effect of nitrogen plasma treatment on the crystallinity and self‐bonding of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for biomedical applications

“…The final bonding configuration is reported in Figure b. Polymer specimens were maintained in the press at 200°C and 3 MPa operating pressure for 2 h or 7.5 h. …”

Direct bonding and de‐bonding on demand of polystyrene and polyamide surfaces, treated with oxygen plasma

“…Surface treatments can reduce the bonding time and enhance the bonding strength by increasing the density of functional groups on the polymer surface. The most common treatment methods include UV irradiation, 14,15 corona discharge, 16–18 and plasma treatment 15,19–26 . The advantage of plasmas generated at low pressures is the large plasma volume established, allowing the modification of big objects with complex geometry.…”

“…The most common treatment methods include UV irradiation, 14,15 corona discharge, [16][17][18] and plasma treatment. 15,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] The advantage of plasmas generated at low pressures is the large plasma volume established, allowing the modification of big objects with complex geometry. Moreover, the plasma is generated in a closed environment.…”

Functional Polymers Structures for (Bio)Sensing Application—A Review

“…However, to ensure stable and effective anchoring of biomolecules, polymers are frequently used (Figure 11). They possess an evident advantages in comparison with other species, due to flexibility in design and cost effectiveness [120].…”

“…However, to ensure stable and effective anchoring of biomolecules, polymers are frequently used (Figure 11). They possess an evident advantages in comparison with other species, due to flexibility in design and cost effectiveness [120]. All designed instruments for LOC application should be able to be easily maintained, which is connected with convenient and simple channel washing and sample filling.…”