Tacky Cyclic Olefin Copolymer: a Biocompatible Bonding Technique for the Fabrication of Microfluidic Channels in COC

Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is widely used in microfluidics due to its UV-transparency, its biocompatibility and high chemical resistance. Here we present a fast and cost-effective solvent bonding technique, which allows for the efficient bonding of protein-patterned COC structures. The bonding process is carried out at room temperature and takes less than three minutes. Enzyme activity is retained upon bonding and microstructure deformation does not occur.