PhotoPDMS: Photodefinable PDMS for Rapid Prototyping

In this paper, we present a new and simple method of patterning polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) directly under normal ambient light. This new photodefinable PDMS (photoPDMS) was applied to simplify otherwise complex microfabrication procedures such as fabrication of multi- layered microfluidic devices and patterning free-standing thin films for shadow masking on planar and non-planar surfaces. This new photoPDMS material offers numerous advantages including: direct patterning eliminating the need for a master template; ability to process under ambient light eliminating the need for sensitive lighting; and finally all advantages of PDMS including low cost and simple fabrication enabling rapid prototyping.