CellASIC's microfabrication methods are borrowed from techniques invented for the semiconductor industry. In the late 1990's it was discovered that the same tools used to make electronic circuits were able to produce elaborate micro-chambers for cell culture applications. A wave of academic achievements followed, made possible largely with "quick-and-dirty" prototyping methods.

When CellASIC began operation, one of our major goals was to invent a microfluidics manufacturing process suitable for commercial use. This meant it had to be of the highest precision, robust and uniform for large quantities, and low cost. The model we chose to emulate was that of the compact disc (CD) industry. The key hallmarks of this process are 1) state-of-the-art (expensive) master templates, 2) low cost "disposable" replicates, and 3) standardized format.