Lab-on-substrate technology platform

A technology platform based on standard PCB technology has been developed for cost-effective fabrication of biological and medical test devices. Aluminum, polyimide and Pyralux have been selected as materials with focus on bio- and process compatibility. A process flow consisting of lamination, Al structuring by wet etching, microwell and via formation by laser drilling and via metallization was developed. Surface treatments have been evaluated for hydrophobic and hydrophilic modification of the materials. The technology was demonstrated with a dielectrophoresis enhanced microwell device for single cell handling and detection of cell-to-cell interaction as needed for the improvement of tumor therapy.