Flexible Microfluidic Devices for Both Generation and Absorption of Carbon Dioxide Gas and Liquid Perfusion

We present a method of fabrication and applications of flexible microfluidic devices with three-dimensional (3D) interconnected microporous walls based on treatment using a solvent/non-solvent mixture at room temperature. The complete fabrication process from device design concept to working device can be completed in less than an hour in a regular laboratory setting without the need of expensive equipment. Microfluidic devices were used to demonstrate gas generation and absorption reactions by acidifying water with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. By selectively treating the microporous structures with oxygen plasma, acidification of water by acetic acid (distilled white vinegar) perfusion was also demonstrated with the same device design. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.