Development of flow systems by direct-milling on poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates using UV-photopolymerization as sealing process

Anal Sci. 2009 Mar;25(3):443-8. doi: 10.2116/analsci.25.443.

Abstract

An alternative process for the design and construction of fluidic devices is presented. Several sealing processes were studied, as well as the hydrodynamic characteristics of the proposed fluidic devices. Manifolds were imprinted on polymeric substrates by direct-write milling, according to Computer Assisted Design (CAD) data. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was used as substrate due to its physical and chemical properties. Different bonding approaches for the imprinted channels were evaluated and UV-photopolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) was selected. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the proposed flow devices were assessed and compared to those obtained in similar flow systems using PTFE reactors and micro-pumps as propulsion units (multi-pumping approach). The applicability of the imprinted reactors was evaluated in the sequential determination of calcium and magnesium in water samples. Results obtained were in good agreement with those obtained by the reference procedure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylates / chemistry
  • Acrylates / radiation effects
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods
  • Photochemistry
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / analysis*
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemical synthesis
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / radiation effects*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Acrylates
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate
  • acrylic acid