Microfluidics

Microfluidic devices can usually benefit from hydrophilic (high surface energy) surface modifications to promote wetting and enhanced fluid flow within channels. There are different surface treatments which can be used depending on the device requirements such as anti-fouling or an inert protective coating against caustic chemicals being used which are tuned for viscosity, pH, or polarity. Additionally, depending on the materials used (glass, plastics, or soft polymers like PDMS) for the microfluidics, different treatments are required. Utilizing IST’s unique low-temperature ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition), a molecular film can be deposited internally to many fluid channels.