MINIATURE STICK-PACKAGING - AN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR PRE-STORAGE AND RELEASE OF REAGENTS IN LAB-ON- A-CHIP SYSTEMS

摘要

Stick-packaging of goods in tubular shaped composite-foil pouches has become a popular technology for food packaging. We miniaturized stick-packaging for use in Lab-on-a-Chip (LOAC) systems to pre-store and release liquid and dry reagents in a volume range of 80 - 500 μl. A frangible seal integrated in the package allows for the pressure-controlled release of reagents, reducing the number of downstream valves required for liquid control. The frangible seal is fabricated by ultrasonic welding, enabling adjustment of burst pressures from 20 to 100 kPa, and allowing for packaging of temperature sensitive reagents. As an additional advantage, stick-packaging is also a scalable technology suitable for both rapid prototyping and low-cost mass production.