Re: [DIYbio] applications for DIY microfluidics

On 12/27/2012 09:48 AM, Jeswin wrote:
> So years back, we all discussed DIY microfluidics like Sharpie
> microfluidics. The stuff I've seen is just theoretical like mixing
> colors to visualize the fluid flow. So what practical problems can we
> tackle at a DIY level?
>
> P.S. I just came across some an idea where the template is printed on
> transparency film using a photocopier and molded on some polymer
> (PDMS, maybe?)
> http://www.gizmag.com/teacher-creates-microfluids-with-a-photocopier/17667/
>

From that article the stand out point for me is:

"Although the photocopier microfluidics are not as precise as
their commercially-produced counterparts, they could prove to
be an invaluable educational aid for physics students"

Some times I wonder about these teachers who say it will be "invaluable",
and think they mean it figuratively in a vague sort of way, yet it really applies
literally -- as in no value attached by the world, and no payments for it.

There is going to be a micro 3DP outcome of experimenting with reprap machines, CNC routers
like shopbot or more like reprap, or repurposing of the nice fine scaled
movements of CD or DVD writers... Microfluidics will become cheap-to-make-the-molds,
and PDMS microfluidics will become a tool for prototyping systems. It's even possible
that glass microfluidics will become DIY cheap via DVD-writer-laser direct drawn photo-masks.
Or maybe some cheapo service selling silicon MEMS wafer master molds in syndication will pop up.

I imagine some way around silicon plasma etching will come up easy to afford,
(meaning less expensive than using old chip making fab equip), in the dimensions
that matter to cell biologists -- under 100 micrometers.

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