Purdue University Engineering Technology Professor Develops Innovative Method for Fabricating Microfluidic Devices
Assistant Professor Huachao Mao and his team at Purdue University’s Polytechnic college have developed a cost-effective method for creating multilevel microfluidic devices as small as 10 microns deep and 100 microns wide. These devices, used for analyzing small volumes of materials rapidly and accurately, have a wide range of applications in fields such as biomedical research, environmental testing, geology, and manufacturing.
The patented innovation, known as vat photopolymerization (VPP), surpasses traditional fabrication methods and 3D printing by allowing for the direct and high-resolution fabrication of transparent microfluidics with channels as narrow as 100 microns. This advancement could revolutionize industries such as cancer cell analysis, drug screening, single-cell isolation, and point-of-care diagnostics.
By offering a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to current fabrication methods, Mao’s research aims to accelerate biomedical research and improve the accuracy and speed of diagnostic tests. The traditional method of fabricating microfluidic devices is known to be costly and time-consuming, requiring high-end equipment and a cleanroom environment.
Mao and his team’s work is conducted in Purdue Polytechnic’s Additive and Intelligent Manufacturing Lab, showcasing the university’s dedication to cutting-edge research and innovation. For more information on this groundbreaking development, please visit the full story by Purdue Research Foundation’s Steve Martin.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
