Microfluidics driving innovation

“Microfluidics is an especially fascinating area of application for our specialized films,” says Marc, Product Manager at Röhm. The films are suitable for use in microfluidics for a number of reasons. They are resistant to acids and bases, as well as against numerous solvents such as acetone and ethanol. This means they can be sterilized. The films also withstand high temperatures. “This is important because samples, for example for PCR tests, are heated to 100 degrees Celsius multiple times within a short period and then cooled down again in order to duplicate the sample material,” he explains.

The market demand for components in decentralized diagnostics is on the rise. The mini labs, for example, enable ‘point of care’ diagnostics, immediate diagnostics close to the patient. Those involved do not necessarily have to be brought to the clinic, and the samples do not have to be transported to the lab (which takes time). There is also no need for manual preparation. Instead, mobile devices analyze the material, and once thirty to sixty minutes have passed, the results are available. All steps of the analysis can be combined into one device and run efficiently on a very small surface.

New materials and methods significantly improve microfluidics. Röhm is also continuing to develop the film products. The latest product innovation is a multilayer film through which the analysis chips can be sealed at a lower temperature. The advantage is that laboratory components are protected and the sealing process is accelerated. As Marc, the Product Manager, says: “Röhm not only produces specialized films, it also provides solutions. “All from a single source and close to the technological progress of microfluidics.”

Find more infos on PLEXIGLAS® and EUROPLEX® films for Lab-on-a-Chip applications here: