Timp:pdmsprotocol

Micro fluidic Chip Preparation Protocol

 * Materials:
 * Sylgard 184 Silicone Elastomer Base (Dow Corning 3097366-1004)
 * Sylgard 184 Silicone Elastomer Curing Agent (Dow Corning 3097358-1004)
 * 50ml Self-Standing Centrifuge Tube (Corning 430897)
 * S/S needle 14G x 1” (Small parts, Inc. NE-142PL-25)
 * Cover Glass No.1 22 x 40 mm (Corning Labware)
 * ID 0.040”, OD 0.070” Tygon Tubing (Cole-Parmer S-54-HL)
 * 75% Ethanol
 * Argon
 * Distilled Water
 * PDMS Moulds
 * Plasma Cleaner/Sterilizer

To make PDMS chips:

 * 1) Pour Elastomer Base in tube (not more than 40 ml)
 * 2) Add Elastomer Curing Agent 1:5 ratio to Base.
 * 3) Mix thoroughly (use inoculating loops and invert and roll tube) till uniform.
 * 4) Place in vacuum chamber for at least 30 minutes or until mixture is degassed.
 * 5) Pour into mould and place in oven at 75 C till it hardens
 * 6) Remove from mould and cut out chips using blades.
 * 7) Poke holes using needle, do not rotate needle to avoid tearing
 * 8) Apply scotch tape to remove dust, etc from chips
 * 9) Place chip in plasma cleaner along with a cover glass.
 * 10) Turn on pump and seal the cleaner chamber.
 * 11) Set the RF level to high.
 * 12) When plasma strikes optimize by twisting black cap on chamber cover.
 * 13) Once optimized let it sit for 45 seconds.
 * 14) After 45 s remove from chamber and place chip on cover glass and apply even pressure to ensure a good bond.
 * 15) Place in oven at 75 C for 12 hours.
 * 16) Cut out hoses (7.5” pieces for in flow, 3.5” for out flow) and insert in holes.
 * 17) Check for leaks by flowing ethanol through channels.

Pre-experiment Preparation

 * 1) Flush channels with 5ml 75% Ethanol.
 * 2) Flush channels with DI water.
 * 3) Dry by flowing argon through channels.