This study investigates various microfluidic chip fabrication techniques, highlighting their applicability and limitations in the context of urgent diagnostic needs showcased by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a detailed examination of methods such as computer numerical control milling of a polymethyl methacrylate, soft lithography for polydimethylsiloxane-based devices, xurography for glass-glass chips, and micromachining-based silicon-glass chips, we analyze each technique's strengths and trade-offs. Hence, we discuss the fabrication complexity and chip thermal properties, such as heating and cooling rates, which are essential features of chip utilization for a polymerase chain reaction. Our comparative analysis reveals critical insights into material challenges, design flexibility, and cost-efficiency, aiming to guide the development of robust and reliable microfluidic devices for healthcare and research. This work underscores the importance of selecting appropriate fabrication methods to optimize device functionality, durability, and production efficiency.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mendel University in Brno Zemědělská 1 Brno 613 00 Czech Republic

Department of Microelectronics Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication Brno University of Technology Technická 3058 10 Brno 616 00 Czech Republic

Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Systems for Aerospace School of Mechanical Engineering Northwestern Polytechnical University 127 West Youyi Road Xi'an 710072 Shaanxi People's Republic of China

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