Design and fabrication of micro/nanofluidics devices and systems

• DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.007
• Publication Date: 2022-01-12T23:48:05Z
• Authors: Terry Ching; Yi-Chin Toh; Michinao Hashimoto
• Keywords: Device fabrication; Soft lithography; Design thinking; Microfluidics; Nanofluidics; 3D printing; 620

This chapter provides an overview of the science, engineering, and design methods required in the development of micro/nanofluidic devices. Section 2 provides the scientific background of fluid mechanics and physical phenomena in micro/nanoscale. Section 3 gives a brief overview of the existing fabrication techniques employed in micro/nanofluidics. The techniques are grouped into three categories: (1) subtractive manufacturing, (2) formative manufacturing, and (3) additive manufacturing. The advantages and disadvantages of each manufacturing technique are also discussed. Implementation of the fluidic devices beyond laboratory demonstrations is not trivial, which requires a good understanding of the problems of interest and the end-users. To that end, Section 4 introduces the design thinking approach and its application to develop micro/nanofluidic devices. Finally, Section 5 concludes the chapter with future outlooks.