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Fluid flow layer solutions for medical OEMs

The fluid flow layer is a functional component designed to guide biological or chemical samples through diagnostic devices with precision. By utilizing specialized hydrophilic films and coatings, it enables controlled wicking, reagent mixing, and directional flow essential for reliable lateral flow and microfluidic assay results.

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Rendering exploded view of a microfluidic diagnostic device showing the fluidic layer highlighted with a light blue tint.
Overview Our differentiators Products FAQs Device layers Contact us Tools & resources
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Overview
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Device layers
Contact us
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Overview

What is a fluid flow layer?

Fluid flow layers are designed to manage the movement of fluids within microfluidic channels, lateral flow assays and lab-on-chip systems.

They enable:

  • Directional flow across test regions
  • Controlled timing for reactions and mixing
  • Prevention of leakage or cross-contamination
  • Promotes wicking of assay components
  • Support for functional elements like printed inks or binding chemistries

These layers are foundational to the performance of point-of-care diagnostics and integrated biosensors.

Material technologies for fluid flow layers

Materials in this layer must enhance fluid flow and preserve channel integrity while supporting clean bonding and manufacturability.

Key material requirements:

  • Allows adhesion to substrates and fluidic components
  • Chemical resistance to reagents and biological samples
  • Minimal interference with fluid flow or assay chemistry
  • Compatibility with scalable and automated assembly


Material options:

  • Polyester (PET) for chemical resistance and dimensional stability
  • Polycarbonate (PC) for structural integrity and thermal performance
  • Polyethylene (PE) for flexibility and cost-efficiency
  • Hydrophilic films or coatings to promote capillary action and fluid movement

Solventum provides materials and testing support to ensure fluid flow layers perform reliably under real-world conditions.

Design considerations for OEM engineers

Designing fluid flow layers requires precision and a deep understanding of fluid dynamics and device architecture.

Engineering priorities:

  • Flow rate control: Influenced by channel dimensions, surface energy, and fluid viscosity
  • Reagent compatibility: Materials must not interfere with assay chemistry or absorb analytes
  • Thermal stability: Important for devices exposed to temperature cycles
  • Assembly tolerances: Must support consistent fluid behavior across production batches
  • Scalability: Materials and processes should support high-volume manufacturing
  • Die-cutting and lamination: Should enable clean, reproducible integration
  • Optical characteristics: Influence clarity, haze and light transmission
Partnering for performance

Solventum supports OEMs with high-performance materials engineered for fluid flow layer applications. Our portfolio includes films, adhesives, and coatings designed for fluid compatibility, precision bonding, and regulatory compliance.

Our support includes:

  • Guidance on material and adhesive selection
  • Adhesive performance testing for bonding applications
  • Optical testing for compatibility with light-based assays
  • Rapid sampling for prototyping and evaluation
  • We provide documentation to assist with your regulatory compliance

Whether you're optimizing flow control, reagent delivery, or sample containment, we help you select the right materials to meet your device’s performance and manufacturing goals.

Our differentiators

Consistent fluid behavior 

Hydrophilic treatments deliver uniform fluid flow across different film constructions, helping maintain predictable sample movement and consistent assay performance. 

Clean sample entry 

Targeted backside hydrophobicity helps prevent sample smearing at device entrance ports, supporting controlled fluid introduction and reliable results. 

Protected surface and signal integrity 

Pre‑masked films preserve hydrophilicity through demanding manufacturing processes, while low background fluorescence helps minimize signal interference and measurement bias. 

FAQs

Read our comprehensive FAQ to quickly find clear answers to common fluid flow layer questions.

Hydrophilic films play a key role in fluid management within diagnostic devices, especially in microfluidic systems.  
Definition: Films that attract and distribute water, enabling fluid flow.  
Role: Used in microfluidic channels to guide sample movement.  


Benefits:  

  • Enhance capillary action  
  • Improve sample distribution  
  • Support consistent assay performance  

Fluid flow disruptions may be caused by: 

  • Variations in surface properties within channels. 
  • Inconsistent channel dimensions. 
  • Contamination from handling or processing. 
  • Misalignment between fluidic layers. 

Material properties can affect capillary flow by: 

  • Changing how fluids wet channel surfaces. 
  • Influencing flow speed and uniformity. 
  • Introducing variability if surface chemistry is inconsistent. 

Predictable flow is supported by: 

  • Consistent channel geometry. 
  • Uniform surface characteristics along the flow path. 
  • Proper bonding that preserves channel dimensions. 

Interactions between layers may: 

  • Alter channel height if bonding materials compress. 
  • Restrict flow if alignment shifts. 
  • Create unintended flow paths or dead zones. 

Fluid flow testing is best conducted: 

  • After bonding methods are defined. 
  • Before finalizing assay performance claims. 
  • Prior to scaling production volumes. 

Contact a Solventum representative

We're here to help! Our team of design experts love to answer questions and offer customized recommendations for your unique device needs. Submit the form below to speak with one of our Solventum design specialists to learn more about your options.

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