Development of a Microfluidic Sensing Platform by Integrating PCB Technology and Inkjet Printing Process

Abstract

A microfluidic sensing platform (MSP) for the detection of bio/chemicals has been successfully developed. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic channels were fabricated using master molds created with printed circuit board (PCB) technology. Silver (Ag)-based ink was employed to inkjet print interdigitated electrodes on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The printed PET substrate and PDMS were bonded to form the MSP. The capability of the fabricated MSP for detecting very low concentrations of heavy metal compounds was investigated. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy response of the MSP revealed picomolar concentration levels of detection for mercury sulfide and cadmium sulfide. The results obtained demonstrated the feasibility of integrating conventional PCB and printing technology to create flexible MSPs for heavy metal sensing applications.