Wax-Patterned Paper Microfluidics

At-home microfluidic prototypes using wax-patterned chromatography paper.

I am building microfluidic channels at home using a low-cost, additive wax process. The current approach patterns wax on chromatography paper, then stacks and bonds the layers using a hot plate to form sealed channels. This method is inexpensive and fast, but the resolution is limited and the channel walls are not yet precise enough for reliable flow control.

This project is an early prototype and actively in progress. I am now testing higher-resolution methods beyond additive wax to improve channel fidelity and repeatability while keeping the setup accessible and low cost.