Alternative microfabrication techniques for fabricating complex microfluidic structures

Microfluidics is an emerging science aimed for realising the next generation of point-of-care diagnostics and lab-on-a-chip devices. However, microfluidics is heavily dependent on expensive, hard-to-access microfabrication technologies to produce such desired structures, which can limit its widespread application among biomedical researchers. The aim of this research is to develop alternative microfabrication techniques to facilitate the rapid prototyping of complex, multi-layered, and tuneable microfluidic devices for biological applications. By incorporating inexpensive consumables and basic commonly available facilities, the necessity for conventional microfabrication technologies will be alleviated. Furthermore, the development of these technologies will enable biomedical researchers with no background knowledge and expertise in microfabrication to develop proof-of-concept microfluidic systems. The techniques developed in this research will also reduce the need for expensive, scarce animal models and accelerates the development of organ-on-chip platforms for drug discovery and disease modelling.