Integrated sieving microstructures on microchannels for biological cell trapping and droplet formation

Abstract

We have developed a single step microfabrication method to prepare constriction microstructures on a PCB master by controlling the etching time of two microchannels separated by a finite distance that is easily attainable using imagesetters widely available in the printing industry. PDMS replica of the constriction structures present sieving microstructures (microsieves) that could be used for size-dependent trapping of microspheres, biological cells and the formation of water-in-oil droplets.