Expandable microspheres—surface immobilization techniques

In this study, a novel component for microfluidics is introduced. Expandable microspheres have been studied for their application in microfluidics. Two methods for selective immobilization of expandable microspheres without the use of mechanical barriers on silicon, including patterning by photolithography and self-assembly based on surface chemistry have been shown. After the immobilization step the microspheres were expanded thermally. The expansion is irreversible and the volume of the microspheres increases more than 60 times. Patterns of microspheres with features as small as 15 μm have successfully been generated by photolithography. By using self-assembly the microspheres can conveniently be immobilized in monolayers. Future applications of the expandable microspheres can be as fluidic components, such as one-shot valves or micropumps, positioning other microcomponents or to enlarge the surface area.