Custom manufacturing of accessories and consumables for microfluidic systems
We would like to announce a new product portfolio in the field of consumables, mainly for microfluidic systems and microfluidic chips, particularly focused on customized solutions according to our customers’ requirements. Our offer includes a complete service from channel milling, template making and microfluidic chip production to custom manufacturing of all relevant microfluidics connectivity. Thus, we follow up with our services the previously presented introduction addressing microfluidic systems and our microfluidics instrumentation offerings and will now focus on microfluidics consumables and accessories and introduce custom manufacturing.
Microfluidic chips as a basic element of microfluidic systems
Microfluidic chips enable very precise control of fluid flows in microchannels, which is essential for achieving reproducible and reliable results in microscopy studies. This precise approach to handling small volumes of fluids contributes significantly to the validity of scientific measurements. Another advantage is improved sensitivity and resolution. By concentrating analytes in microchannels and minimizing the influence of the surrounding environment, microfluidic systems offer higher measurement sensitivity, which is crucial for detecting low concentrations of substances and monitoring microscopic objects with high resolution.
Examples of custom solutions for the production of consumables for microfluidics
With microfluidic chips, you achieve the ability to automate the handling of small samples, speeding up sample preparation and processing. This leads to a reduction in the time required for sample preparation prior to microscopic examination, which is important for efficient scientific work. Cost-effectiveness is another significant advantage. Finally, the use of microfluidic chips reduces reagent and sample costs due to their miniaturization, while lower maintenance and material costs further contribute to the cost-effectiveness of microfluidic applications.
The fabrication of microfluidic chips is a complex process that requires precise technology and quality control. Successful mastery of this process enables the creation of chips with high precision and reliability, which are essential for a wide range of microfluidics applications, including diagnostics, sample analysis and new materials research.
Examples of custom solutions for the production of consumables for microfluidics
Production of chips and consumables
Microfluidic chips are a key element of modern microfluidics, which focuses on handling small volumes of fluids at the micro scale. The fabrication of these chips involves sophisticated technologies and processes that enable the creation of complex structures and channels in small sizes with high precision. This process typically involves proper design, material selection and precision manufacturing.
Examples of custom solutions for the production of consumables for microfluidics
Other accessories and consumables for microfluidics
In addition to the microfluidic chips themselves, microfluidic systems require microfluidics instrumentation and consumables that include a wide range of components, from tubing and tips to pipettes, valves, pumps, and various reagents and media. Each of these components must meet specific requirements such as chemical inertness, precision manufacturing and high reproducibility. The quality of these materials directly affects the performance of microfluidic systems and the accuracy of experimental results, making the selection of the right consumables a key factor for success in this field. We supply all of the aforementioned accessories for microfluidic systems in the form of custom-made accessories tailored to the needs of our customers and their applications, or in the form of mass-produced accessories from our suppliers.
Material selection
Microfluidic chips or microfluidic chambers of various types can be made from a variety of materials, including glass, polymers, silicones or composites. Choosing the right material is an absolutely crucial step. It depends on the application requirements such as chemical compatibility, optical properties and mechanical properties. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a key material for microfluidic chips or chambers due to its important properties such as biocompatibility, flexibility and optical transparency. These characteristics enable the precise formation of microchannels and chambers, which is essential for the proper functioning of microfluidic devices. The ability to process quickly and efficiently by lithographic methods makes PDMS an ideal material for rapid prototyping and custom microfluidic chip fabrication. PDMS is therefore most commonly used for these purposes.
The chip production
As part of our services, we provide complete microfluidic chip manufacturing processes, starting with the creation of a mould or template using photolithography, where a pattern is applied to a photosensitive layer using UV light. Other techniques, such as deposition and etching, allow selective removal of material to form the desired microstructures. Once the pattern is formed, chip material such as PDMS is applied to the mold and cured to form microchannels. This is followed by the joining and assembly stage, where techniques such as plasma activation ensure the layers of the chip are firmly bonded together. Once assembled, the chips are thoroughly tested and calibrated, which includes checking for fluxes, detecting leaks and verifying that the chip meets all specifications for its given application. The final stage is to sterilize the chips and clean them before use to ensure they are free of any contaminants and ready for experimental use, using methods such as plasma sterilization or chemical cleaning, depending on the chip material and specific application requirements.
Design and production of other accessories
An integral part of microfluidic chips are the elements that serve as inputs and outputs of the chip for connection to the connected microfluidic system. We use various technologies including precision 3D printing or milling of biocompatible materials to manufacture these connectors and other core elements of microfluidic parts.
Examples of custom solutions for the production of consumables for microfluidics
Why try microfluidic systems?
Quality microfluidics consumables bring key benefits to microscopy applications, increasing the accuracy, efficiency and scale of scientific studies and engineering processes. Its ability to handle small volumes of fluids with high precision and sensitivity makes microfluidics an essential tool for modern scientific research and can bring significant benefits to you as well.
Are you interested?
Looking for a customized solution for your specific needs? Our team of experts are here to provide you with a solution that is a perfect fit for your needs.
Contact us today to discuss your project and discover how our customised solutions can maximise your potential for success.