Hydrophilic Tapes

Optimized fluid control for faster, cleaner, and more consistent diagnostic results

A microfluidic device with labeled hydrophilic cover tape from Adhesives Research being peeled back, revealing internal channels on the device surface.

Promoting precise and consistent fluid movement

Effective sample transport is critical to diagnostic accuracy and device reliability. ARflow® Hydrophilic Tapes are engineered to reduce the surface tension of aqueous fluids such as water, urine, or blood, allowing controlled, consistent flow from the sample inlet to the reagent or detection zone.

By enabling predictable capillary action, these materials support rapid fluid migration in in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) devices, biosensors, and microfluidic assemblies. ARflow® technologies are designed to maintain flow consistency, ensure test reliability, and optimize user performance without interfering with analytical results.

  • Controlled capillary flow
    Reduces surface tension to enable fast, stable, and repeatable fluid movement through diagnostic channels.

  • Proven biosensor compatibility
    Formulated to perform without interfering with biochemical or electrochemical test results.

  • Visual clarity and process control
    Transparent construction allows visual verification of sample movement and capillary fill completion.

  • Strong bonding performance
    PSAs and heat seals adhere reliably to plastics, films, and membranes used in diagnostic devices.

  • Tailored hydrophilic properties
    Adjustable surface characteristics to regulate fill times and fluid behavior.

  • Clean converting and lamination
    Precision die-cuts ensure clean edges, maintaining capillary uniformity and improving device yield.

  • Customizable product design
    Available in various thicknesses, substrates, and liner options to meet specific device architectures.

  • In-Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) Devices
    Used to transport samples between test zones in immunoassays, reagent cards, and biosensor devices.

  • Microfluidic Device Assembly
    Serves as a functional adhesive layer for forming microchannels and controlling flow paths.

  • Membrane-Based Assays
    Acts as a spacer or cover layer to manage capillary flow from the inlet to detection sites.

  • Point-of-Care Testing Devices
    Supports reliable and rapid fluid transport for quick analysis and user-friendly operation.

  • Biosensor Integration
    Used in sensor assemblies requiring consistent wetting behavior and electrical insulation stability.

Product Overview

ARflow® Hydrophilic Adhesive Technologies are available as pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), heat-seal materials, and hydrophilic coatings. Each construction offers reliable bonding to plastics and membrane substrates commonly used in medical and diagnostic devices.

These materials are engineered to deliver:

  • Stable and repeatable capillary fills
  • Strong adhesion to plastics and coated films
  • High optical clarity for visual fluid verification
  • Non-interference with biochemical reactions or detection

These coatings can be applied directly to PSA spacer tapes, creating functional capillary channels that enable accurate sample transport and controlled flow rates. Hydrophilicity can be tailored to adjust flow speed or direction, supporting a wide range of device designs—from rapid diagnostic test strips to microfluidic cartridges.

Custom Support Built Around Your Process

Every diagnostic system requires precise control of fluid movement. Our engineering and R&D teams work directly with you to tune hydrophilic performance, adhesive strength, and layer thickness for your device configuration.

We assist with surface energy testing, flow rate analysis, and compatibility studies to ensure optimal integration into your lamination or coating process. We provide local support, rapid prototyping, and full-scale manufacturing expertise to accelerate your product development cycle.

Partner with Our Medical Device Specialists

Moving your device from concept to commercialization requires materials you can trust. Our team provides the expertise and products to get you there.

Related Products

ARflow® 93025

A 100 μm polyester film coated on one side with a hydrophilic coating.

ARflow® 93234

A thin flexible plastic film coated on one side with a hydrophilic heat seal adhesive.

ARflow® 93361

A polyester film coated on one side with a hydrophilic heat-seal adhesive. The adhesive is protected by a polyethylene liner.

ARflow® 93049

A thin and flexible plastic film coated on one side with a hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

ARflow® 93687

A medical grade hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive coated on both sides of a thin polyester film. The adhesive layer on both sides is protected by a polyester release liner.

ARflow® 93450

An unsupported tape product with a hydrophilic pressure-sensitive adhesive coating between two polyester liners.

Let’s Discuss Your Requirements

Scientists wearing lab coats and safety goggles collaborating in a laboratory.