title: A method for filling complex polymeric microfluidic devices and arrays.
abstract: This paper describes an improved method for filling microfluidic structures with aqueous solutions. The method, channel outgas technique (COT), is based on a filling procedure carried out at reduced pressures. This procedure is compared with previously reported methods in which microfluidic channels are filled either by using capillary forces or by applying a pressure gradient at one or more empty reservoirs. The technique has proven to be > 90% effective in eliminating the formation of bubbles within microfluidic networks. It can be applied to many devices, including those containing PDMS-terminated channel features, a single channel inlet, and three-dimensional arrays.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Monahan
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Gewirth
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Nuzzo