Low temperature cofired ceramic microfluidic microsystems for high temperature and high pressure applications

TLDR: In this paper, an integrated microfluidic lyser using LTCC technology has been fabricated, which enables the use of aqueous buffers at high temperatures without boiling by using a pressurized system.

Abstract: As an alternative material to glass, silicon, and plastics, Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) substrate technology is becoming increasingly important for enabling microfluidic microsystems and devices for integrated chemical and biological analysis. LTCC's simple fabrication method and unique ability to withstand high temperatures and high pressures make it well-suited for applications not possible with traditional materials. As part of Sandia's initiative to develop an automated sample preparation system for the μChemlab™ bioagent detector, an integrated microfluidic lyser using LTCC technology has been fabricated, which enables the use of aqueous buffers at high temperatures without boiling by using a pressurized system. Thermal lysing of bacterial spores in a flow-through microfluidic device at temperatures as high as 220°C and pressures up to 10.3 MPa (1,500 psi) represents a new method for solubilizing spore proteins for identification and analysis, eliminating the reliance on harsh chemical red...