Reversible Bonding of Microfluidic Channels using Dry Adhesives
Create stronger reversible bonded microfluid structures with greater reversible adhesion strength, and higher fluid pressures than traditional systems based on van der Waals adhesion Microfluidic channels and structures can be bonded to any arbitrary smooth surface, including flat and cylindrical shapes
Highlights
- Create stronger reversible bonded microfluid structures with greater reversible adhesion strength, and higher fluid pressures than traditional systems based on van der Waals adhesion
- Microfluidic channels and structures can be bonded to any arbitrary smooth surface, including flat and cylindrical shapes
Opportunity
This patented technology offers the ability to create stronger microfluidic structures, including microfluidic channels, chambers, micro-mixers, and electrophoresis capillary channels comprising electrodes. This technology and be applied to structures containing flexible polymer materials such as thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting and thermoplastic elastomers.
Competitive advantage
- Provides improved reversible adhesion
- Creates adhesive structures simultaneously with microfluidic channels without requiring extra materials, surface treatments or complex assembly.
- Low temperature, nearly instantaneous bonding.
- Higher bond strengths achievable with low temperature annealing
- Microfluidic structures can handle higher fluid pressures than most reversibly bonded channels – up to 100 psi depending on geometries.
- More tolerant to defects and surface roughness of bonding surface than PDMS reversible bonding.
- Wide variety of adhesion strengths for tunable bonding pressure within a single device, high reusability, and inexpensive fabrication.
Status
- US Patent: US14724123
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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