Micromanufacturing capability development for polymeric microfluidic applications based on ultrashort pulse laser technology and microinjection moulding

This research focuses on the analysis of surface alteration of microscale polymeric fluidic channels by using ultra short pulse (USP) laser technology for mould making in combination with micro-injection moulding. It includes the investigation of the effects of various laser micromachining as well as injection moulding parameters on the microfluidic surface properties for a controlled fluid flow regulation in microfluidic devices. The fluid flow through these devices depends upon the wettability of the channel which can be tuned as per design requirements using USP laser surface patterning. The study of the manufacturing of passive micro valves, micropumps, and micro-channels are a few of the major aspects of this project. Furthermore, this research is also intended to investigate the application of USP laser technology to finely weld the different parts of injection moulded microfluidic patches made of transparent polymers to produce enclosed microfluidic channels inside one capsule.