Simple modification to allow high-efficiency and high-resolution multi-material 3D-printing fabrication of microfluidic devices

Author(s)

Quero, Reverson Fernandes ; de Jesus, Dosil Pereira ; da Silva, Jose Alberto Fracassi

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: LAB ON A CHIP; v. 23, n. 16, p. 10-pg., 2023-07-07.

Abstract

Advances in the instrumentation and materials for photopolymerization 3D printing aided the use of this powerful technique in the fabrication of microfluidic devices. The costs of printers and supplies have been reduced to the point where this technique becomes attractive for prototyping microfluidic systems with good resolution. With all the development of multi-material 3D printers, most of the microfluidic devices prepared by photopolymerization 3D printing are based on a single substrate material. We developed a digital light processing multi-material 3D printer where two or more resins can be used to prepare complex objects and functional microfluidic devices. The printer is based on a vat inclination system and embedded peristaltic pumps that allow the injection and removal of resins and cleaning step between material changes. Although we have built the whole system, the modification can be incorporated into commercially available printers. Using a high-resolution projector, microfluidic channels as narrow as 43 & mu;m were obtained. We demonstrate the printing of multi-material objects containing flexible, rigid, water-soluble, fluorescent, phosphorescent, and conductive (containing PEDOT or copper nanoparticles) resins. An example of a microfluidic chip containing electrodes for electrochemical detection is also presented. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/06478-3 - Use of 3D Printing on the Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices
• Grantee: José Alberto Fracassi da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/13496-8 - CHARACTERIZATION OF SYNTHETIC DRUGS AS ADULTERANTS IN DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS: USE OF VOLTAMMETRY OF IMMOBILIZED MICROPARTICLES IN SOLID STATE AS ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY
• Grantee: Géssica Domingos da Silveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 13/22127-2 - Development of novel materials strategic for integrated analytical devices
• Grantee: Lauro Tatsuo Kubota
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50867-3 - INCT 2014: National Institute of Science and Technology in Bioanalysis
• Grantee: Marco Aurelio Zezzi Arruda
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants