What is this invention?

Method for fabricating an apparatus comprising at least one microfluidic channel and an apparatus comprising a microfluidic channel

An apparatus fabricated using the method described presents many advantages over traditional methods. For instance, this type of fabrication allows for a much greater range of channel dimensions and shapes since pathways can be defined and fixed in position with little to no interference from other components within the composite material. Additionally, because microfluidic devices are so small and delicate, it has long been difficult to provide them with stable support structures; however, by using an electrode as part of the device fabricating process, this problem is largely eliminated.

The method for creating the pathways in an anisotropic composite material comprises providing an electrode within the material. The electric field is applied across this area, which then defines and creates the pathways for the microfluidic channel. Once this has been done, curing of the material will fix these pathway in place so that they can be used as part of your device or invention.

What are some key features of the invention?

• An apparatus that contains a microfluidic channel

• The electrode is placed within the composite material to create pathways for the microfluidic channel

• This method then cures and fixes the pathway in place

What are some similar inventions on the market?

There are several products on the market that resemble the apparatus described in this text. Some of these products, such as those manufactured by 3M Company and Nanoflow Technologies, utilize anisotropic composite materials to fabricate microfluidic channels within a substrate. Other products, such as those from Applied Physics Lab (APL) and SpinCo Inc., use electrodes to control electric fields across anisotropic composites in order to create pathways within the material.

How could this be used?

One possible use for this technology is in the fabrication of microfluidic devices. With this method, an electrode can be positioned within a composite material and an electric field applied to create pathways through the material. This allows for precise control over the location of channels and other components within these devices.

What are some things to look out for with this?

One potential risk to using an electrode in an anisotropic composite material is that the electric field may cause damage to the material. Additionally, if the pathways created by the electric field are not perfectly aligned, it could lead to communication problems between different parts of your device or invention.

What are the overall impressions of this invention?

I was impressed with the design of the product. It is well-made and seems to be durable.

Final comment expressed in a poem (written by an A.I.)

There once was a way to make channels
In anisotropic composite materials
By applying an electric field
With great precision you could yield
The pathways for your microfluidic dreams

Who owns this patent?

Nokia Technologies Oy

Document Number: 11213816