Low-cost rapid prototyping for microfluidics using Parafilm?-based microchannels for low resource settings

We presented a novel strategy of using Parafilm (R) sheets for making microchannels in rigid substrates-based microfluidic devices with fast prototyping and cost-effectiveness. The strategy uses a Plotter cutter and Parafilm (R) sheets via the Thermal fusing bonding method to prepare Rigid substrate-based Microfluidics (PPTR mu) in a short span of similar to 10 min. The Cricut (R) Explore plotter cutter, as a cheaper alternative to conventional laser cutters, with a similar to 500 mu m resolution to Parafilm (R) sheet, was shown to create sharp angle micropatterns with a uniform angular distribution. Process parameters like sealing temperature were optimized to minimize channel deformation and enhance device sealing. A 55 degrees C sealing temperature shows sufficient bonding strength and ensures minimal microchannel width deformation (< 5%). Parafilm (R) sheets used to make the microchannels showed good chemical resistance to different pH and polar solvent environments. The practical use of the PPTR mu protocol to prepare a two-dimensional concentration gradient generator and a microfluidic electrochemical transducer was successfully demonstrated. The same protocol was extended by appropriately extending the sealing time to 10 min to prepare a three-dimensional microfluidic device with a hybrid structure of "glass-Parafilm (R)-glass-Parafilm (R)-glass."