Ann Tong, with micro-molding technology as its core, has recently integrated the upstream and downstream supply chain to establish a microfluidic chip ecosystem. We offer end-to-end services, from laboratory to mass production, making us the preferred choice for various customers seeking alternatives to animal experiments, drug preparation, and in vitro testing.

Among these chips, which are made of transparent thermoplastic materials such as PC, PMMA, COP, and CBC, the injection molding process is preferred over the more costly PDMS casting method due to clearer product commercialization models, market pricing considerations, and capacity requirements. However, these mature products have complex functionalities, integrating multiple components such as films, connectors, seals, electrodes, surface modifications, and reagents. To prevent leakage, the chip design and assembly processes pose challenges during development.

Taking a cell culture chip as an example, it contains a PET porous membrane that serves not only for cell separation and cultivation but also requires a smooth surface for autofocus in image analysis. Fortunately, during the early stages of product development, the chip structure design can be aligned with the shape of the hot-pressing fixture used for the porous membrane, ensuring uniform tension around the film edges and reducing additional costs caused by repeated mold modifications. This exemplifies the value of the DFM (Design for Manufacturing) process in Ann Tong's microfluidic outsourcing services, such as assessing in advance the transcribing distortion of microstructure features during mold fabrication and after molding. It also involves integrating multilayer channels and components, simplifying chip structures, and utilizing standardized parts.

Ann Tong warmly welcomes collaboration with startups in the early stages of development, aiming to provide robust process considerations and reduce risks when transitioning products to mass production.