Enabling Microfluidics: From Clean Rooms to Makerspaces
Abstract
Fabrication of microfluidic devices has been traditionally focused on photolithographic methods requiring a clean room facility and specialized training. The lack of devices commercially available from these methods leads us to believe that this approach has reached a point of diminishing returns. Makerspaces are a growing alternative to clean rooms, as they provide low-cost access to fabrication equipment such as laser cutters, plotter cutters, and 3D printers, use commonly available materials, and attract a diverse community of product designers. This opinion discusses the introduction of microfluidics into these spaces and the advantages of maker microfluidics improving the accessibility and scalability of microfluidic device fabrication.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1033426
Entities
People
- David Iii I. Walsh
- David S. Kong
- Peter A. Carr
- Shashi K. Murthy
Organizations
- MIT Lincoln Laboratory