Elastomeric Deformation-Assisted Nanochannel Fabrication using Electrospun Polymer Fibers for Micro/Nanofluidic System

Abstract

In this study, we developed a novel, mass-producible, low-cost method for fabricating nanochannels by integrating electrospinning and elastomeric deformation techniques. Heat-treated electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers form durable nanostructures that adhere to glass substrates. When this substrate is plasma-bonded to a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) block, the sandwiched nanofiber structures deform the PDMS along their edges, thereby creating nanochannels. The formation of these nanochannels was verified through both direct cross-sectional imaging and indirect observation of the nanofluidic phenomenon. The results showed that the nanochannel performance was influenced by the morphology and formation of the nanofibers, which could be easily controlled by adjusting the electrospinning time. Finally, we demonstrated continuous nanoparticle separation based on electrophoretic mobility, highlighting the potential of this technique for biological applications. The proposed method offers a simple and scalable alternative to conventional nanochannel fabrication methods, with enormous potential in micro/nanofluidic devices.