Overview Of Materials For Microfluidic Applications

For each material dedicated to microfluidic applications, inherent microfabrication and specific physico-chemical properties are key concerns and play a dominating role in further microfluidic operability. From the first generation of inorganic glass, silicon and ceramics microfluidic devices materials, to diversely competitive polymers alternatives such as soft and rigid thermoset and thermoplastics materials, to finally various paper, biodegradable and hydrogel materials; this chapter will review their advantages and drawbacks regarding their microfabrication perspectives at both research and industrial scale. The chapter will also address, the evolution of the materials used for fabricating microfluidic chips, and will discuss the application-oriented pros and cons regarding especially their critical strategies and properties for devices assembly and biocompatibility, as well their potential for downstream biochemical surface modification are presented.