Fabrication of Fabric-Based Microfluidic Channels Using Beeswax

This paper highlights the fabrication strategies to realize fabric-based microfluidic channels using wax which promise significant application in the next generation of wearable healthcare monitoring systems. The properties of cloth differ significantly from that of paper or any other surface, particularly in its pore size. Here a novel method has been employed to form the microfluidic channels with beeswax as the hydrophobic barriers over cotton fabric-based substrates with the optimization of various masking materials for the realization of the channels. Finally, a
$\mu\text{FAD}$
using PET clear sheet and beeswax over cotton fabric was successfully demonstrated for the realization of a rapid, low-cost diagnostic tool. Parameters like the flow-rate of the ink, size of the channel were measured from time to time to make this microfluidic device realization more reliable and cost-effective. Further, micro-mixture application involving various fluids was also realized over the fabric-based channels. The outcome showed that beeswax-coated cotton fabric demonstrated highly functional in confining various fluids used in daily usage as well as in various pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Thus, the feasibility of the above method is certainly a primary tool for the successful development of low-cost diagnostic devices and will be highly helpful in low-resource areas. This work can be a better alternative to the existing methods for applications in the field of medical, chemical, pharmaceuticals, etc.