Thermally assisted spatially directed pore formation in poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS)

Abstract

This paper reports a method for spatially directed, self-assembled pore formation in poly-dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) that results in through-membrane pores only at desired locations. This method is based on bubble generation in uncured PDMS and subsequent bubble motion towards a hot region in a microfabricated chip containing a heater device due to thermocapillary effect. Pore formation in straight-line and semi-circular shapes is demonstrated. Coupled physics behind the pore formation and alignment process is described. Results show that the mechanism of pore formation can be controlled by changing the microheater temperature.