Development of Functional Polymeric Materials for Microfluidic Systems

Abstract

Microfluidic Tectonics also provides a unique opportunity to study hydrogel properties. The relationship between the hydrogel crosslink density and the hydrogel volume has been studied in detail. In addition, dissolvable hydrogels based on de-crosslinking have been demonstrated, and the factors that affect dissolution kinetics have been understood through systematic studies and mechanical modeling. In conclusion, the introduction of functional polymeric materials into microfluidics via direct photopolymerization has the potential to greatly simplify microfluidic fabrication processes, and to expand the application of traditional microfluidic systems.