Design and Fabrication of Concentration-Gradient Generators with Two and Three Inlets in Microfluidic Chips

摘要

A simple and low-cost method for designing and fabricating concentration-gradient generators with two and three inlets is proposed which can generate different concentration gradients at varying flow velocities. The microchannel structure was designed in S-shape and left-right symmetry. The concentration-gradient generator was simulated based on the finite element method. The microchannels were processed on a computer numerical control (CNC) engraving and milling machine on poly(methylmethacrylate) substrate, and then two concentration-gradient generators were fabricated by hot bonding technology. The results of experiment and simulation were compared to prove the feasibility of the method. Flow velocity was an important factor for generating different concentration gradients. The concentration-gradient profiles of the generators with two and three inlets present approximately linear and quadratic curves.