Microsyringe Arrays in Poly(Dimethyle Siloxane)

In this paper we discuss the development of integrated microsyringe arrays, fabricated using a rapid low-cost process that is easily adapted for many microfluidics systems. A key innovation to the development of the microsyringes is a process for producing microchannels in poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) with perfectly round cross-sections. The flexible PDMS conforms to an oversized spherical metal piston inserted into the channel, forming a leak-proof seal. This is the reverse of conventional syringes, which use a rigid vessel and compliant plunger.