Smart Microfluidics: Compliant microfluidic control structures

This project aims to develop new design and manufacturing approaches to realize compliant control structures for microfluidic applications. Existing microfluidic systems are stiff and achieving local control of flow and diffusion processes is difficult. Inspired by the concept of compliant mechanisms, which obtain their functionality from structural deformation, we explore the use of compliant materials such as PDMS to e.g. control opening and closing of pores for organ-on-chip applications. By combining systematic topology optimization for tailor-made designs with replication-based manufacturing, the feasibility of this concept has been demonstrated. We envision further development towards more complex 3D geometries, enabling e.g. functionalized scaffolds.