Design and Fabrication of CD-Like Microfluidic Platforms for Diagnostics: Polymer-Based Microfabrication

Several microfabrication methods for polymer-based CD microfluidic platforms are presented in this paper. For prototyping, both traditional CNC-machining and photolithography techniques were used. For mass production, mold inserts were made by CNC-machining of tool steel and LIGA-like processes such as UV photolithography, photolithography/electroplating, and photolithography/deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Several molding methods were tried, including liquid resin casting, thin wall injection molding, and hot embossing. Advantages and disadvantages of each method are explained. Plastic bonding for microfluidic platforms is also briefly discussed.