3D microfluidic devices based on open-through thermoplastic elastomer membranes
US9498914B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a new process for patterning TPE membranes for use in the design and fabrication of 3D microfluidic devices. The process involves patterning a TPE material without permitting the highest features of the mold to come into contact with the counter-plate, whereby adhesion between the TPE and the mold or counter-plate during demolding results directly in removal of the excess layer from the TPE membrane to produce well formed micrometric-sized open-through holes in the TPE membrane. The process permits rapid, reliable and efficient patterning of densely packed and arbitrarily placed micrometric open-through holes and channels of high aspect-ratio and any shape or wall profile in thin TPE membranes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.