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Juang YJ, Chiu YJ. Fabrication of Polymer Microfluidics: An Overview. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14102028. [PMID: 35631909 PMCID: PMC9147778 DOI: 10.3390/polym14102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidic platform technology has presented a new strategy to detect and analyze analytes and biological entities thanks to its reduced dimensions, which results in lower reagent consumption, fast reaction, multiplex, simplified procedure, and high portability. In addition, various forces, such as hydrodynamic force, electrokinetic force, and acoustic force, become available to manipulate particles to be focused and aligned, sorted, trapped, patterned, etc. To fabricate microfluidic chips, silicon was the first to be used as a substrate material because its processing is highly correlated to semiconductor fabrication techniques. Nevertheless, other materials, such as glass, polymers, ceramics, and metals, were also adopted during the emergence of microfluidics. Among numerous applications of microfluidics, where repeated short-time monitoring and one-time usage at an affordable price is required, polymer microfluidics has stood out to fulfill demand by making good use of its variety in material properties and processing techniques. In this paper, the primary fabrication techniques for polymer microfluidics were reviewed and classified into two categories, e.g., mold-based and non-mold-based approaches. For the mold-based approaches, micro-embossing, micro-injection molding, and casting were discussed. As for the non-mold-based approaches, CNC micromachining, laser micromachining, and 3D printing were discussed. This review provides researchers and the general audience with an overview of the fabrication techniques of polymer microfluidic devices, which could serve as a reference when one embarks on studies in this field and deals with polymer microfluidics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Je Juang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
- Core Facility Center, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Research Center for Energy Technology and Strategy, National Cheng Kung University, No.1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-62757575 (ext. 62653); Fax: +886-62344496
| | - Yu-Jui Chiu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
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Yang M, Sun N, Luo Y, Lai X, Li P, Zhang Z. Emergence of debubblers in microfluidics: A critical review. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2022; 16:031503. [PMID: 35757146 PMCID: PMC9217167 DOI: 10.1063/5.0088551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Bubbles in microfluidics-even those that appear to be negligibly small-are pervasive and responsible for the failure of many biological and chemical experiments. For instance, they block current conduction, damage cell membranes, and interfere with detection results. To overcome this unavoidable and intractable problem, researchers have developed various methods for capturing and removing bubbles from microfluidics. Such methods are multifarious and their working principles are very different from each other. In this review, bubble-removing methods are divided into two broad categories: active debubblers (that require external auxiliary equipment) and passive debubblers (driven by natural processes). In each category, three main types of methods are discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages. Among the active debubblers, those assisted by lasers, acoustic generators, and negative pressure pumps are discussed. Among the passive debubblers, those driven by buoyancy, the characteristics of gas-liquid interfaces, and the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of materials are discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the bubble-removal technologies are reviewed to refer researchers to microfluidics and inspire further investigations in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nan Sun
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | | | | | - Peiru Li
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
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53
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Flow Regulation Performance Analysis of Microfluidic Passive Valve for High Throughput Liquid Delivery. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050687. [PMID: 35630154 PMCID: PMC9143073 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A microfluidic passive valve (MPV) is important for precise flow control, and it determines the reliability of the microfluidic system. In this paper, a novel MPV capable of delivering a constant flow rate independently of inlet pressure changes is proposed. The flow rate of the MPV is adjusted by the difference between the fluid force on the upper surface of the valve core and the spring force. The constant flow rate of the MPV is maintained by automatically changing the size of the gap channel formed by the groove on the valve core and the baffle on the valve body. The nearly constant flow rate of the MPV is 6.26 mL/min, with a variation of 6.5% under the inlet pressure varied from 1.25 kPa to 3.5 kPa. In addition, the flow characteristics of the MPV are analyzed by numerical simulation. With the increase in the inlet pressure, the maximum velocity gradually increases, while the increment of the maximum velocity decreases. In the movement process of the valve core, the region of pressure drop becomes larger. This work has a certain reference value for the design and research of the MPVs with high throughput liquid delivery.
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Mo X, Ouyang L, Xiong Z, Zhang T. Advances in Digital Light Processing of Hydrogels. Biomed Mater 2022; 17. [PMID: 35477166 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/ac6b04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels, three-dimensional (3D) networks of hydrophilic polymers formed in water, are a significant type of soft matter used in fundamental and applied sciences. Hydrogels are of particular interest for biomedical applications, owing to their soft elasticity and good biocompatibility. However, the high water content and soft nature of hydrogels often make it difficult to process them into desirable solid forms. The development of 3D printing (3DP) technologies has provided opportunities for the manufacturing of hydrogels, by adopting a freeform fabrication method. Owing to its high printing speed and resolution, vat photopolymerization 3DP has recently attracted considerable interest for hydrogel fabrication, with digital light processing (DLP) becoming a widespread representative technique. Whilst acknowledging that other types of vat photopolymerization 3DP have also been applied for this purpose, we here only focus on DLP and its derivatives. In this review, we first comprehensively outline the most recent advances in both materials and fabrication, including the adaptation of novel hydrogel systems and advances in processing (e.g., volumetric printing and multimaterial integration). Secondly, we summarize the applications of hydrogel DLP, including regenerative medicine, functional microdevices, and soft robotics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that either of these specific review focuses has been adopted in the literature. More importantly, we discuss the major challenges associated with hydrogel DLP and provide our perspectives on future trends. To summarize, this review aims to aid and inspire other researchers investigatng DLP, photocurable hydrogels, and the research fields related to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwu Mo
- Tsinghua University Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation(111 Center), Beijing, 100084, CHINA
| | - Liliang Ouyang
- Tsinghua University Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation(111 Center), Beijing, 100084, CHINA
| | - Zhuo Xiong
- Tsinghua University Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation(111 Center), Beijing, 100084, CHINA
| | - Ting Zhang
- Tsinghua University Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, "Biomanufacturing and Engineering Living Systems" Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation(111 Center), Beijing, 100084, CHINA
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55
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Aazmi A, Zhou H, Lv W, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Zhang YS, Ma L. Vascularizing the brain in vitro. iScience 2022; 25:104110. [PMID: 35378862 PMCID: PMC8976127 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is arguably the most fascinating and complex organ in the human body. Recreating the brain in vitro is an ambition restricted by our limited understanding of its structure and interacting elements. One of these interacting parts, the brain microvasculature, is distinguished by a highly selective barrier known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), limiting the transport of substances between the blood and the nervous system. Numerous in vitro models have been used to mimic the BBB and constructed by implementing a variety of microfabrication and microfluidic techniques. However, currently available models still cannot accurately imitate the in vivo characteristics of BBB. In this article, we review recent BBB models by analyzing each parameter affecting the accuracy of these models. Furthermore, we propose an investigation of the synergy between BBB models and neuronal tissue biofabrication, which results in more advanced models, including neurovascular unit microfluidic models and vascularized brain organoid-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Ye Z, Pang G, Xu K, Hou Z, Lv H, Shen Y, Yang G. Soft Robot Skin With Conformal Adaptability for On-Body Tactile Perception of Collaborative Robots. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2022.3155225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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57
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Namgung H, Kaba AM, Oh H, Jeon H, Yoon J, Lee H, Kim D. Quantitative Determination of 3D-Printing and Surface-Treatment Conditions for Direct-Printed Microfluidic Devices. BIOCHIP JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13206-022-00048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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58
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Cultivating human tissues and organs over lab-on-a-chip models: Recent progress and applications. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 187:205-240. [PMID: 35094775 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In vivo models are indispensable for preclinical studies for various human disease modeling and drug screening, however, face several obstacles such as animal model species differences and ethical clearance. Additionally, it is difficult to accurately predict the organ interaction, drug efficacy, and toxicity using conventional in vitro two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models. The microfluidic-based systems provide excellent opportunity to recapitulate the human organ/tissue functions under in vitro conditions. The organ/tissue-on-chip models are one of best emerging technologies that offer functional organs/tissues on a microfluidic chip. This technology has potential to noninvasively study the organ physiology, tissue development, and diseases etymology. This chapter comprises the benifits of 2D and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures as well as highlights the importance of microfluidic-based lab-on-a-chip technique. The development of different organs/tissues-on-chip models and their biomedical application in various diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, respiratory-based diseases, cancers, liver and kidney diseases, etc., have also been discussed.
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59
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Sukanya VS, Rath SN. Microfluidic Biosensor-Based Devices for Rapid Diagnosis and Effective Anti-cancer Therapeutic Monitoring for Breast Cancer Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1379:319-339. [PMID: 35760998 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-04039-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer with unpredictable metastatic recurrence is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Early cancer detection and optimized therapy are the principal determining factors for increased survival rate. Worldwide, researchers and clinicians are in search of efficient strategies for the timely management of cancer progression. Efficient preclinical models provide information on cancer initiation, malignancy progression, relapse, and drug efficacy. The distinct histopathological features and clinical heterogeneity allows no single model to mimic breast tumor. However, engineering three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models incorporating cells and biophysical cues using a combination of organoid culture, 3D printing, and microfluidic technology could recapitulate the tumor microenvironment. These models serve to be preferable predictive models bridging the translational research gap in drug development. Microfluidic device is a cost-effective advanced in vitro model for cancer research, diagnosis, and drug assay under physiologically relevant conditions. Integrating a biosensor with microfluidics allows rapid real-time analytical validation to provide highly sensitive, specific, reproducible, and reliable outcomes. In this manner, the multi-system approach in identifying biomarkers associated with cancer facilitates early detection, therapeutic window optimization, and post-treatment evaluation.This chapter showcases the advancements related to in vitro breast cancer metastasis models focusing on microfluidic devices. The chapter aims to provide an overview of microfluidic biosensor-based devices for cancer detection and high-throughput chemotherapeutic drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S Sukanya
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India
| | - Subha Narayan Rath
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Telangana, India.
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60
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O'Grady BJ, Geuy MD, Kim H, Balotin KM, Allchin ER, Florian DC, Bute NN, Scott TE, Lowen GB, Fricker CM, Fitzgerald ML, Guelcher SA, Wikswo JP, Bellan LM, Lippmann ES. Rapid prototyping of cell culture microdevices using parylene-coated 3D prints. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:4814-4822. [PMID: 34787148 PMCID: PMC8717820 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00744k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of microfluidic devices by photolithography generally requires specialized training and access to a cleanroom. As an alternative, 3D printing enables cost-effective fabrication of microdevices with complex features that would be suitable for many biomedical applications. However, commonly used resins are cytotoxic and unsuitable for devices involving cells. Furthermore, 3D prints are generally refractory to elastomer polymerization such that they cannot be used as master molds for fabricating devices from polymers (e.g. polydimethylsiloxane, or PDMS). Different post-print treatment strategies, such as heat curing, ultraviolet light exposure, and coating with silanes, have been explored to overcome these obstacles, but none have proven universally effective. Here, we show that deposition of a thin layer of parylene, a polymer commonly used for medical device applications, renders 3D prints biocompatible and allows them to be used as master molds for elastomeric device fabrication. When placed in culture dishes containing human neurons, regardless of resin type, uncoated 3D prints leached toxic material to yield complete cell death within 48 hours, whereas cells exhibited uniform viability and healthy morphology out to 21 days if the prints were coated with parylene. Diverse PDMS devices of different shapes and sizes were easily cast from parylene-coated 3D printed molds without any visible defects. As a proof-of-concept, we rapid prototyped and tested different types of PDMS devices, including triple chamber perfusion chips, droplet generators, and microwells. Overall, we suggest that the simplicity and reproducibility of this technique will make it attractive for fabricating traditional microdevices and rapid prototyping new designs. In particular, by minimizing user intervention on the fabrication and post-print treatment steps, our strategy could help make microfluidics more accessible to the biomedical research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J O'Grady
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Michael D Geuy
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Kylie M Balotin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Everett R Allchin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - David C Florian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Neelansh N Bute
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Taylor E Scott
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Gregory B Lowen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Colin M Fricker
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Scott A Guelcher
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - John P Wikswo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Integrative Biosystems Research and Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leon M Bellan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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62
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Heuer C, Preuß J, Habib T, Enders A, Bahnemann J. 3D printing in biotechnology-An insight into miniaturized and microfluidic systems for applications from cell culture to bioanalytics. Eng Life Sci 2021; 22:744-759. [PMID: 36514534 PMCID: PMC9731604 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202100081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its invention in the 1980s, 3D printing has evolved into a versatile technique for the additive manufacturing of diverse objects and tools, using various materials. The relative flexibility, straightforwardness, and ability to enable rapid prototyping are tremendous advantages offered by this technique compared to conventional methods for miniaturized and microfluidic systems fabrication (such as soft lithography). The development of 3D printers exhibiting high printer resolution has enabled the fabrication of accurate miniaturized and microfluidic systems-which have, in turn, substantially reduced both device sizes and required sample volumes. Moreover, the continuing development of translucent, heat resistant, and biocompatible materials will make 3D printing more and more useful for applications in biotechnology in the coming years. Today, a wide variety of 3D-printed objects in biotechnology-ranging from miniaturized cultivation chambers to microfluidic lab-on-a-chip devices for diagnostics-are already being deployed in labs across the world. This review explains the 3D printing technologies that are currently used to fabricate such miniaturized microfluidic devices, and also seeks to offer some insight into recent developments demonstrating the use of these tools for biotechnological applications such as cell culture, separation techniques, and biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Heuer
- Institute of Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | | | - Taieb Habib
- Institute of Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Anton Enders
- Institute of Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Janina Bahnemann
- Institute of Technical ChemistryLeibniz University HannoverHannoverGermany,Cell Culture TechnologyFaculty of TechnologyBielefeld UniversityBielefeldGermany
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63
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Sankar S, Mehta V, Ravi S, Sharma CS, Rath SN. A novel design of microfluidic platform for metronomic combinatorial chemotherapy drug screening based on 3D tumor spheroid model. Biomed Microdevices 2021; 23:50. [PMID: 34596764 DOI: 10.1007/s10544-021-00593-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
For treating cancer at various stages, chemotherapy drugs administered in combination provide better treatment results with lower side effects compared to single-drug therapy. However, finding the potential drug combinations has been challenging due to the large numbers of possible combinations from approved drugs and the failure of in vitro 2D well plate-based cancer models. 3D spheroid-based high-throughput microfluidic platforms recapitulate some of the important features of native tumor tissue and offer a promising alternative to evaluate the combinatory effects of the drugs. This study develops a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based microfluidic design with a dynamic environment and strategically placed U-shaped wells for testing all seven possible combinations (three single-drug treatments, three pairwise combinations, treatment with all three drugs) of three chemotherapy drugs (Paclitaxel, Vinorelbine, and Etoposide) on lung tumor spheroids. The design of U-shaped wells has been validated with computational results. Firstly, we test all combinations of drugs on the conventional well plate in static conditions with 3D tumor spheroids. Based on static drug testing results, we show a proof-of-concept by testing the most effective drug combination on the microfluidic device in a dynamic environment. The concentration of the drugs used in combination falls below the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the individual drugs, towards low dose metronomic (LDM) chemotherapy. LDM combinatorial chemotherapy identified in this study can potentially lower toxicity and provide better treatment results in cancer patients. The device can be further used to culture patient-specific tumor spheroids and identify synergistic drug combinations for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharanya Sankar
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Viraj Mehta
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Subhashini Ravi
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Chandra Shekhar Sharma
- Creative & Advanced Research Based On Nanomaterials (CARBON) Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Subha Narayan Rath
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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Quero RF, Domingos da Silveira G, Fracassi da Silva JA, Jesus DPD. Understanding and improving FDM 3D printing to fabricate high-resolution and optically transparent microfluidic devices. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:3715-3729. [PMID: 34355724 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00518a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The fabrication of microfluidic devices through fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has faced several challenges, mainly regarding obtaining microchannels with suitable transparency and sizes. Thus, the use of this printing system to fabricate microdevices for analytical and bioanalytical applications is commonly limited when compared to other printing technologies. However, for the first time, this work shows a systematic study to improve the potential of FDM 3D printers for the fabrication of transparent microfluidic devices. Several parameters and printing characteristics were addressed in both theoretical and experimental ways. It was found that the geometry of the printer nozzle plays a significant role in the thermal radiation effect that limits the 3D printing resolution. This drawback was minimized by adapting an airbrush tip (0.2 mm orifice diameter) to a conventional printer nozzle. The influence of the height and width of the extruded layer on the resolution and transparency in 3D-printed microfluidic devices was also addressed. Following the adjustments proposed, microchannels were obtained with an average width of around 70 μm ± 11 μm and approximately 80% visible light transmission (for 640 μm thickness). Therefore, the reproducibility and resolution of FDM 3D printing could be improved, and this achievement can expand the capability of this printing technology for the development of microfluidic devices, particularly for analytical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - José Alberto Fracassi da Silva
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Bioanalítica (INCTBio), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Dosil Pereira de Jesus
- Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-861, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Bioanalítica (INCTBio), Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Jin Z, Li Y, Yu K, Liu L, Fu J, Yao X, Zhang A, He Y. 3D Printing of Physical Organ Models: Recent Developments and Challenges. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101394. [PMID: 34240580 PMCID: PMC8425903 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Physical organ models are the objects that replicate the patient-specific anatomy and have played important roles in modern medical diagnosis and disease treatment. 3D printing, as a powerful multi-function manufacturing technology, breaks the limitations of traditional methods and provides a great potential for manufacturing organ models. However, the clinical application of organ model is still in small scale, facing the challenges including high cost, poor mimicking performance and insufficient accuracy. In this review, the mainstream 3D printing technologies are introduced, and the existing manufacturing methods are divided into "directly printing" and "indirectly printing", with an emphasis on choosing suitable techniques and materials. This review also summarizes the ideas to address these challenges and focuses on three points: 1) what are the characteristics and requirements of organ models in different application scenarios, 2) how to choose the suitable 3D printing methods and materials according to different application categories, and 3) how to reduce the cost of organ models and make the process simple and convenient. Moreover, the state-of-the-art in organ models are summarized and the contribution of 3D printed organ models to various surgical procedures is highlighted. Finally, current limitations, evaluation criteria and future perspectives for this emerging area are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongboyu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
| | - Yuanrong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
| | - Kang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
| | - Linxiang Liu
- Zhejiang University HospitalZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
| | - Jianzhong Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
- Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
| | - Xinhua Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
| | - Aiguo Zhang
- Department of OrthopedicsWuxi Children's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical UniversityWuxiJiangsu214023China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic SystemsSchool of Mechanical EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310027China
- Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and MoldZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou450002China
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Catterton MA, Ball AG, Pompano RR. Rapid Fabrication by Digital Light Processing 3D Printing of a SlipChip with Movable Ports for Local Delivery to Ex Vivo Organ Cultures. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:993. [PMID: 34442615 PMCID: PMC8399530 DOI: 10.3390/mi12080993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
SlipChips are two-part microfluidic devices that can be reconfigured to change fluidic pathways for a wide range of functions, including tissue stimulation. Currently, fabrication of these devices at the prototype stage requires a skilled microfluidic technician, e.g., for wet etching or alignment steps. In most cases, SlipChip functionality requires an optically clear, smooth, and flat surface that is fluorophilic and hydrophobic. Here, we tested digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing, which is rapid, reproducible, and easily shared, as a solution for fabrication of SlipChips at the prototype stage. As a case study, we sought to fabricate a SlipChip intended for local delivery to live tissue slices through a movable microfluidic port. The device was comprised of two multi-layer components: an enclosed channel with a delivery port and a culture chamber for tissue slices with a permeable support. Once the design was optimized, we demonstrated its function by locally delivering a chemical probe to slices of hydrogel and to living tissue with up to 120 µm spatial resolution. By establishing the design principles for 3D printing of SlipChip devices, this work will enhance the ability to rapidly prototype such devices at mid-scale levels of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Catterton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia College of Arts and Science, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA;
| | - Alexander G Ball
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Rebecca R Pompano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia College of Arts and Science, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA;
- Carter Immunology Center and UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4259, USA
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68
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Mehta V, Vilikkathala Sudhakaran S, Rath SN. Facile Route for 3D Printing of Transparent PETg-Based Hybrid Biomicrofluidic Devices Promoting Cell Adhesion. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3947-3963. [PMID: 34282888 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
3D printing has emerged as a promising fabrication technique for microfluidic devices, overcoming some of the challenges associated with conventional soft lithography. Filament-based polymer extrusion (popularly known as fused deposition modeling (FDM)) is one of the most accessible 3D printing techniques available, offering a wide range of low-cost thermoplastic polymer materials for microfluidic device fabrication. However, low optical transparency is one of the significant limitations of extrusion-based microfluidic devices, rendering them unsuitable for cell culture-related biological applications. Moreover, previously reported extrusion-based devices were largely dependent on fluorescent dyes for cell imaging because of their poor transparency. First, we aim to improve the optical transparency of FDM-based microfluidic devices to enable bright-field microscopy of cells. This is achieved using (1) transparent polymer filament materials such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) glycol (PETg), (2) optimized 3D printing process parameters, and (3) a hybrid approach by integrating 3D printed microfluidic devices with cast poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) blocks. We begin by optimizing four essential 3D printing process parameters (layer height, printing speed, cooling fan speed, and extrusion flow), affecting the overall transparency of 3D printed devices. Optimized parameters produce exceptional optical transparency close to 80% in 3D printed PETg devices. Next, we demonstrate the potential of FDM-based 3D printing to fabricate transparent micromixing devices with complex planar and nonplanar channel networks. Most importantly, cells cultured on native 3D printed PETg surfaces show excellent cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation during 3 days of culture without extracellular matrix coating or surface treatment. Next, we introduce L929 cells inside hybrid PETg-PDMS biomicrofluidic devices as a proof of concept. We demonstrate that 3D printed hybrid biomicrofluidic devices promote cell adhesion, allow bright-field microscopy, and maintain high cell viability for 3 days. Finally, we demonstrate the applicability of the proposed fabrication approach for developing 3D printed microfluidic devices from other FDM-compatible transparent polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Viraj Mehta
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Sukanya Vilikkathala Sudhakaran
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
| | - Subha Narayan Rath
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Laboratory (RMS), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), Kandi, Sangareddy 502285, Telangana, India
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69
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Bacha TW, Manuguerra DC, Marano RA, Stanzione JF. Hydrophilic modification of SLA 3D printed droplet generators by photochemical grafting. RSC Adv 2021; 11:21745-21753. [PMID: 35478820 PMCID: PMC9034120 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03057d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Few droplet generators manufactured using desktop stereolithography 3D printers have been reported in the literature. Moreover, 3D printed microfluidic chips are typically hydrophobic, limiting their application to water in oil droplets. Herein, we present designs for concentric and planar 3D printed microfluidic devices suitable for making polymeric microparticles using an off-the-shelf commercial stereolithography printer and resin. The devices consist of a microscope slide, binder clips, and printed components. Channels were modified by an ultraviolet grafting of methacrylic acid to the surface of chips, yielding a hydrophilic coating without modification to the bulk polymer. The water contact angle decreased from 97.0° to 25.4° after grafting. The presence of the coating was confirmed by microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Polystyrene microparticles in the <100 μm size range were generated with varying molecular weights using the described microfluidic chips. Our work provides a facile method to construct droplet generators from commercial stereolithography printers and resins, and a rapid surface modification technique that has been under-utilized in 3D printed microfluidics. A wide range of microfluidic devices for other applications can be engineered using the methods described. A versatile method of manufacturing and directly modifying the surfaces of 3D printed microfluidic devices was developed. The device functionality was demonstrated by producing o/w emulsions that yielded polystyrene microspheres.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan W Bacha
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Dylan C Manuguerra
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Robert A Marano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
| | - Joseph F Stanzione
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro NJ 08028 USA
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Hejazian M, Balaur E, Abbey B. Recent Advances and Future Perspectives on Microfluidic Mix-and-Jet Sample Delivery Devices. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:531. [PMID: 34067131 PMCID: PMC8151207 DOI: 10.3390/mi12050531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The integration of the Gas Dynamic Virtual Nozzle (GDVN) and microfluidic technologies has proven to be a promising sample delivery solution for biomolecular imaging studies and has the potential to be transformative for a range of applications in physics, biology, and chemistry. Here, we review the recent advances in the emerging field of microfluidic mix-and-jet sample delivery devices for the study of biomolecular reaction dynamics. First, we introduce the key parameters and dimensionless numbers involved in their design and characterisation. Then we critically review the techniques used to fabricate these integrated devices and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. We then summarise the most common experimental methods used for the characterisation of both the mixing and jetting components. Finally, we discuss future perspectives on the emerging field of microfluidic mix-and-jet sample delivery devices. In summary, this review aims to introduce this exciting new topic to the wider microfluidics community and to help guide future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brian Abbey
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Chemistry and Physics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia; (M.H.); (E.B.)
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