Multifaceted Microfluidics — Three Simple Methods to Create a Microfluidic Device

This teaching module introduces students to the principles and applications of microfluidics through the design and fabrication of miniaturized liquid flow-through systems. Students build functional microfluidic devices using three distinct methods: a macro-scale model using gelatin and wax-coated yarn, a shrink-film technique using polystyrene sheets, and a micro-scale casting process using the polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Through these hands-on activities, students explore core concepts such as soft lithography, laminar flow, diffusion, and viscosity while learning how lab-on-a-chip technology is revolutionizing medical diagnostics. By testing their custom-built devices with various fluids and dyes, students gain a practical understanding of how miniaturization enhances response times and reduces sample sizes in biochemical analysis.

Microfluidics Nanotechnology Lab-on-a-chip LOC Soft Lithography Polydimethylsiloxane PDMS Laminar Flow Fluid Dynamics Biotechnology Biomedical Engineering Miniaturization Polystyrene Shrinky-Dinks Viscosity Diffusion Medical Diagnostics Prototyping NGSS

Uploaded by demo on 2026-07-19 · ready · Other · Original source ↗

Files: microfluidics_teacher_guide.pdf · microfluidics_student_guide.pdf · NSF_ATE_provenance.txt

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This lab is a high-school level chemistry and engineering module designed to teach the principles of microfluidics, laminar flow, and soft lithography. Students fabricate microfluidic devices ("lab-on-a-chip") using three distinct methods ranging from macro-scale Jell-O models to micro-scale polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting. The curriculum emphasizes the miniaturization of liquid flow systems and their applications in medical diagnostics.

External Digital Resources

The curriculum relies heavily on external video content and hosted lesson plans that are prone to link rot or removal:

  • YouTube - The Lutetium Project: The pre-lab requires watching "Adventures in Microfluidics" episodes #1, #2, and #3. These are critical for the "Teaching Strategy" and vocabulary sections.
  • NNCI/NNIN Hosted Nodes: Multiple links point to nnci.net/node/5371 (Gelatin Microfluidics) and nnci.net/node/5345 (Lab on a Slab). These serve as supplementary procedures.
  • Educational Repository Links: Links to teachengineering.org (Jell-O devices) and chem.beloit.edu (Shrink-film microfluidics) provide the foundational instructions for two of the three methods.
  • Supplier Links: Direct links to DigiKey, Dow, and Amazon for procurement of Sylgard 184 are included; these specific product landing pages are highly temporal.

Specialized Physical Materials

The lab requires specific materials that may become unavailable or change in formulation, affecting the "fabrication" success:

  • Sylgard 184 Elastomer Kit: A two-part (base and catalyst) silicone polymer by Dow. The lab specifically relies on the 10:1 mixing ratio and its curing properties at 60°C.
  • Shrinky-Dinks (Polystyrene sheets): Specifically the variety that can be printed on or drawn on with permanent markers. The "Shrinky-Dinks activity" depends on the specific 3:1 or 2:1 shrinkage ratio of this brand to create raised channel features from ink/toner.
  • Wikki-Stix: Wax-coated yarn used as a macro-scale mold. While generic versions exist, the instructions are written for this specific brand's adhesion properties.
  • Biopsy Punches / Blunt Needles: Required for creating precise inlet and outlet holes in cured PDMS. Sizes recommended range from 1 mL to 5 mL syringes.

Hardware and Equipment Dependencies

While designed for a "non-cleanroom" environment, the lab requires specific laboratory or household hardware:

  • Laser-Jet Printer: Essential for the Shrinky-Dink method. The heat-based "rise" of the ink/toner on the polystyrene sheet creates the master mold for the microfluidic channels. Inkjet printers will not work for this specific method.
  • Vacuum Desiccator/Chamber: Required to "degas" the PDMS mixture. Without this, air bubbles trapped in the polymer will ruin the channel clarity and structural integrity.
  • Temperature-Controlled Heating: Requires a toaster oven capable of 350°F (177°C) for shrinking plastic, and a lab oven or hot plate capable of maintaining a steady 60°C or 150°C for curing PDMS or oil-bath shrinking.
  • Software: Microsoft PowerPoint is suggested as the primary tool for students to design their microfluidic patterns before printing.

Published Literature References

The lab cites several specific academic papers as the basis for its methods. If the pedagogical guides are lost, these papers are the technical "source of truth" for the procedures:

  • Chen et al. (2008), "Shrinky-Dink microfluidics: 3D polystyrene chips," Lab on a Chip 8:622-624.
  • Grimes et al. (2008), "Shrinky-Dink microfluidics: rapid generation of deep and rounded patterns," Lab on a Chip 8:170-172.
  • Yang et al. (2010), "Using Inexpensive Jell-O Chips for Hands-On Microfluidics Education," Anal. Chem. 82, 5408-5414.