Keywords: microfluidic synthesis, nanofabrications
We describe here functional polymer synthesis for advanced nanotechnology. This includes elastomeric patterns fabricated using photocurable PDMS prepolymers. We also demonstrate MIP (molecularly imprinted polymer) patterns; MIP is produced by “molecular imprinting”, a general protocol for the preparation of “synthetic receptor or binding sites” with specific recognition for targeted organic molecules. This talk will cover design and operation of microfluidic devices specifically designed for microfluidic synthesis, taking advantage of micro-scale mixing of reagents and of the use of quenching sequences for greater reaction selectivity. The use of microfluidics offers a number of potential advantages over existing technology. Chemical reactions run in microfluidic devices have high thermal and mass transfer rates with an opportunity to use more aggressive reaction conditions allowing for improved product yield. Moreover, high chemical homogeneity can be achieved by complex mixing. The microfluidic reactors are coupled to additional processing steps (i.e. multistep synthesis) and in some cases the product may be transported directly for integration into an application device or as part of an assay. The overall goal is to carry out all operations normally performed in a chemical laboratory including synthesis, processing, mixing, purification and analysis on one microfluidic reactors efficiently and economically using minute amounts of solvents and reagents.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 4, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 4
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 502 - 505
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 1-4200-6376-6