Robotic Fabrication of Microchannels for Microfluidic Analysis by Hydrogel Molding

Abstract

Microchannels used for high-precision handling of small amounts of liquids are employed in various fields. However, technical limitations with respect to complex channel structure fabrication exist. The present study employs a dispensing robot to print gel molds used to construct microchannels to fabricate complex microchannels using techniques affording high level of reproducibility. We perform a continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate fabricated microchannels. Microchannels used for high-precision handling of small amounts of liquids are employed in various fields. However, technical limitations with respect to complex channel structure fabrication exist. The present study employs a dispensing robot to print gel molds used to construct microchannels to fabricate complex microchannels using techniques affording high level of reproducibility. We perform continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate fabricated microchannels.