Hi,
I just start to work with microfluidics devices but the lab I work do not have access to any compressed air so I can not clean my cover glass really well before bonding with my PDMS.
I normally clean with acetone then IPA at the last step I dry them with tech wipes but there is still lost of dusts stays.
How can I achieve a better cleaning?
Thanks
Hi Melis,
for removing dust, we are using adhesive tape (normally Scotch magic tape). It is important that you choose a tape which can be removed without leaving (visible) residues. Just place the tape several times on PDMS and glass. The dust will stick to the tape and you are good to go (5 times should be sufficient, make sure to use fresh tape for each iteration).
In my opinion you do not need any compressed air. We only use it to speed up the drying after we cleaned our PDMS/glass with ethanol. We do not use acetone.
Hope this helps!
Jasper
Melis Gencel you can buy one of these (or cheaper ones), not as convenient and effective as a compressed nitrogen tank but still does the job.
https://www.coleparmer.com/i/cole-parmer-dust-it-handheld-air-blower/1776614
Just don't let acetone dry on the surface, after acetone rinse it with IPA or methanol and then A LOT of DI water. It's best also you blow away water as soon as you can, before it dries over the surface.
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