1
|
Kong J, Wang J, Han Q, Li G, Peng GD. Effects of a UV absorber in silica-loaded resin on DLP silica fiber preform fabrication. APPLIED OPTICS 2024; 63:D7-D13. [PMID: 38856327 DOI: 10.1364/ao.516246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
3D printing technologies have distinguished advantages in manufacturing arbitrary shapes and complex structures that have attracted us to use digital light processing (DLP) technology for specialty silica optical fiber preforms. One of the main tasks is to develop an appropriate recipe for DLP resin that is UV sensitive and loaded with silica nanoparticles. In this work, the effects of a UV absorber in highly silica-loaded resin on DLP printing are experimentally investigated. Spot tests and DLP printing are carried out on resins with varying dosages of a typical UV absorber, Sudan Orange G. Based on the experimental results, the UV absorber can significantly improve the resolution of DLP printed green bodies while requiring a larger exposure dose.
Collapse
|
2
|
Khan SA, Ahmad H, Zhu G, Pang H, Zhang Y. Three-Dimensional Printing of Hydrogels for Flexible Sensors: A Review. Gels 2024; 10:187. [PMID: 38534605 DOI: 10.3390/gels10030187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The remarkable flexibility and heightened sensitivity of flexible sensors have drawn significant attention, setting them apart from traditional sensor technology. Within this domain, hydrogels-3D crosslinked networks of hydrophilic polymers-emerge as a leading material for the new generation of flexible sensors, thanks to their unique material properties. These include structural versatility, which imparts traits like adhesiveness and self-healing capabilities. Traditional templating-based methods fall short of tailor-made applications in crafting flexible sensors. In contrast, 3D printing technology stands out with its superior fabrication precision, cost-effectiveness, and satisfactory production efficiency, making it a more suitable approach than templating-based strategies. This review spotlights the latest hydrogel-based flexible sensors developed through 3D printing. It begins by categorizing hydrogels and outlining various 3D-printing techniques. It then focuses on a range of flexible sensors-including those for strain, pressure, pH, temperature, and biosensors-detailing their fabrication methods and applications. Furthermore, it explores the sensing mechanisms and concludes with an analysis of existing challenges and prospects for future research breakthroughs in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ayoub Khan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Hamza Ahmad
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
| | - Guoyin Zhu
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan Pang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Institute of Advanced Materials and Flexible Electronics (IAMFE), School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amini A, Themelis T, Ottevaere H, De Vos J, Eeltink S. Digital light processing 3D printing of microfluidic devices targeting high-pressure liquid-phase separations. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:171. [PMID: 38430344 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06256-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
This paper focuses on 3D printing using digital light processing (DLP) to create microchannel devices with inner diameters of 100, 200, and 500 µm and cater flow-through applications within the realm of analytical chemistry, in particular high-pressure liquid chromatographic separations. Effects of layer thickness and exposure time on channel dimensions and surface roughness were systematically investigated. Utilizing a commercially accessible 3D printer and acrylate resin formulation, we fabricated 100-500 µm i.d. squared and circular channel designs minimizing average surface roughness (< 20%) by applying a 20-µm layer thickness and exposure times ranging from 1.1 to 0.7 s. Pressure resistance was measured by encasing microdevices in an aluminum chip holder that integrated flat-bottom polyetheretherketon (PEEK) nanoports allowing to establish the micro-to-macro interface to the HPLC instrument. After thermal post-curing and finetuning the clamping force of the chip holder, a maximum pressure resistance of 650 bar (1.5% RSD) was reached (n = 3). A polymer monolithic support structure was successfully synthesized in situ with the confines of a 500 µm i.d. 3D printed microchannel. A proof-of-concept of a reversed-phase chromatographic gradient separation of intact proteins is demonstrated using an aqueous-organic mobile-phase with isopropanol as organic modifier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Amini
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Themelis
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heidi Ottevaere
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, Brussels Photonics, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jelle De Vos
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium
- RIC Group, President Kennedypark 26, B-8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Eeltink
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Department of Chemical Engineering, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Georgiev P, Belka M, Kroll D, Bączek T, Opiełka M, Rutkowska A, Ulenberg S. 3D-printed extraction devices fabricated from silica particles suspended in acrylate resin. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1717:464671. [PMID: 38278133 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing worldwide interest in the use of alternative sample preparation methods. Digital light processing (DLP) is a 3D printing technique based on using UV light to form photo-curable resin layer upon layer, which results in a printed shape. This study explores the application of this technique for the development of novel drug extraction devices in analytical chemistry. A composite material consisting of a photocurable resin and C18-modified silica particles was employed as a sorbent device, demonstrating its effectiveness in pharmaceutical analysis. Apart from estimating optimal printing parameters, microscopic examination of the material surface, and sorbent powder to resin ratio, the extraction procedure was also optimised. Optimisation included the type and amount of sample matrix additives, desorption solvent, sorption and desorption times, and proper number of sorbent devices needed in extraction protocol. To demonstrate this method's applicability for sample analysis, the solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPE-GC-MS) method was validated for its ability to quantify benzodiazepine-type drugs. This evaluation confirmed good linearity in the concentration range of 50-1000 ng/mL, with R2 values being 0.9932 and 0.9952 for medazepam and diazepam, respectively. Validation parameters proved that the presented method is precise (with values ranging in-between 2.98 %-7.40 %), and accurate (88.81 % to 110.80 %). A negative control was also performed to investigate possible sorption properties of the resin itself, proving that the addition of C18-modified silica particles significantly increases the extraction efficiency and repeatability. The cost-effectiveness of this approach makes it particularly advantageous for single-use scenarios, eliminating the need for time-consuming sorbent-cleaning procedures, common in traditional solid-phase extraction techniques. Future optimisation opportunities include refining sorbent size, shape, and geometry to achieve lower limits of quantification. As a result of these findings, 3D-printed extraction devices can serve as a viable alternative to commercially available SPE or solid-phase microextraction (SPME) protocols for studying new sample preparation approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Georgiev
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mariusz Belka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dagmara Kroll
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bączek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Opiełka
- Brain Diseases Centre, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Rutkowska
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland; Brain Diseases Centre, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Szymon Ulenberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdańsk, J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdańsk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poskus MD, Wang T, Deng Y, Borcherding S, Atkinson J, Zervantonakis IK. Fabrication of 3D-printed molds for polydimethylsiloxane-based microfluidic devices using a liquid crystal display-based vat photopolymerization process: printing quality, drug response and 3D invasion cell culture assays. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2023; 9:140. [PMID: 37954040 PMCID: PMC10632127 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00607-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic platforms enable more precise control of biological stimuli and environment dimensionality than conventional macroscale cell-based assays; however, long fabrication times and high-cost specialized equipment limit the widespread adoption of microfluidic technologies. Recent improvements in vat photopolymerization three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies such as liquid crystal display (LCD) printing offer rapid prototyping and a cost-effective solution to microfluidic fabrication. Limited information is available about how 3D printing parameters and resin cytocompatibility impact the performance of 3D-printed molds for the fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic platforms for cellular studies. Using a low-cost, commercially available LCD-based 3D printer, we assessed the cytocompatibility of several resins, optimized fabrication parameters, and characterized the minimum feature size. We evaluated the response to both cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted kinase therapies in microfluidic devices fabricated using our 3D-printed molds and demonstrated the establishment of flow-based concentration gradients. Furthermore, we monitored real-time cancer cell and fibroblast migration in a 3D matrix environment that was dependent on environmental signals. These results demonstrate how vat photopolymerization LCD-based fabrication can accelerate the prototyping of microfluidic platforms with increased accessibility and resolution for PDMS-based cell culture assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Poskus
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Tuo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Yuxuan Deng
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Sydney Borcherding
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jake Atkinson
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Ioannis K. Zervantonakis
- Department of Bioengineering, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
- McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Qiu J, Li J, Guo Z, Zhang Y, Nie B, Qi G, Zhang X, Zhang J, Wei R. 3D Printing of Individualized Microfluidic Chips with DLP-Based Printer. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:6984. [PMID: 37959581 PMCID: PMC10650121 DOI: 10.3390/ma16216984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips have shown their potential for applications in fields such as chemistry and biology, and 3D printing is increasingly utilized as the fabrication method for microfluidic chips. To address key issues such as the long printing time for conventional 3D printing of a single chip and the demand for rapid response in individualized microfluidic chip customization, we have optimized the use of DLP (digital light processing) technology, which offers faster printing speeds due to its surface exposure method. In this study, we specifically focused on developing a fast-manufacturing process for directly printing microfluidic chips, addressing the high cost of traditional microfabrication processes and the lengthy production times associated with other 3D printing methods for microfluidic chips. Based on the designed three-dimensional chip model, we utilized a DLP-based printer to directly print two-dimensional and three-dimensional microfluidic chips with photosensitive resin. To overcome the challenge of clogging in printing microchannels, we proposed a printing method that combined an open-channel design with transparent adhesive tape sealing. This method enables the rapid printing of microfluidic chips with complex and intricate microstructures. This research provides a crucial foundation for the development of microfluidic chips in biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjiang Qiu
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for MEMS Manufacturing and Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Intelligent Sensing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Junfu Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhongwei Guo
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for MEMS Manufacturing and Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Intelligent Sensing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yudong Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for MEMS Manufacturing and Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Intelligent Sensing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bangbang Nie
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for MEMS Manufacturing and Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Intelligent Sensing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guochen Qi
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for MEMS Manufacturing and Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Intelligent Sensing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiong Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronghan Wei
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Henan Province for MEMS Manufacturing and Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Institute of Intelligent Sensing, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Industrial Technology Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gimondi S, Ferreira H, Reis RL, Neves NM. Microfluidic Devices: A Tool for Nanoparticle Synthesis and Performance Evaluation. ACS NANO 2023; 17:14205-14228. [PMID: 37498731 PMCID: PMC10416572 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles (NPs) in nanomedicine holds great promise for the treatment of diseases for which conventional therapies present serious limitations. Additionally, NPs can drastically improve early diagnosis and follow-up of many disorders. However, to harness their full capabilities, they must be precisely designed, produced, and tested in relevant models. Microfluidic systems can simulate dynamic fluid flows, gradients, specific microenvironments, and multiorgan complexes, providing an efficient and cost-effective approach for both NPs synthesis and screening. Microfluidic technologies allow for the synthesis of NPs under controlled conditions, enhancing batch-to-batch reproducibility. Moreover, due to the versatility of microfluidic devices, it is possible to generate and customize endless platforms for rapid and efficient in vitro and in vivo screening of NPs' performance. Indeed, microfluidic devices show great potential as advanced systems for small organism manipulation and immobilization. In this review, first we summarize the major microfluidic platforms that allow for controlled NPs synthesis. Next, we will discuss the most innovative microfluidic platforms that enable mimicking in vitro environments as well as give insights into organism-on-a-chip and their promising application for NPs screening. We conclude this review with a critical assessment of the current challenges and possible future directions of microfluidic systems in NPs synthesis and screening to impact the field of nanomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gimondi
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Helena Ferreira
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno M. Neves
- 3B’s
Research Group, I3Bs − Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters
of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque
de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s−PT
Government Associate Laboratory, 4805-017 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hinnen H, Viglione M, Munro TR, Woolley AT, Nordin GP. 3D-Printed Microfluidic One-Way Valves and Pumps. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1286. [PMID: 37512597 PMCID: PMC10384158 DOI: 10.3390/mi14071286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
New microfluidic lab-on-a-chip capabilities are enabled by broadening the toolkit of devices that can be created using microfabrication processes. For example, complex geometries made possible by 3D printing can be used to approach microfluidic design and application in new or enhanced ways. In this paper, we demonstrate three distinct designs for microfluidic one-way (check) valves that can be fabricated using digital light processing stereolithography (DLP-SLA) with a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) resin, each with an internal volume of 5-10 nL. By mapping flow rate to pressure in both the forward and reverse directions, we compare the different designs and their operating characteristics. We also demonstrate pumps for each one-way valve design comprised of two one-way valves with a membrane valve displacement chamber between them. An advantage of such pumps is that they require a single pneumatic input instead of three as for conventional 3D-printed pumps. We also characterize the achievable flow rate as a function of the pneumatic control signal period. We show that such pumps can be used to create a single-stage diffusion mixer with significantly reduced pneumatic drive complexity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Hinnen
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Matthew Viglione
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Troy R. Munro
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Adam T. Woolley
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Gregory P. Nordin
- Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Han DH, Oh U, Park JK. Characterization of PDMS Microchannels Using Horizontally or Vertically Formed 3D-Printed Molds by Digital Light Projection. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:19128-19136. [PMID: 37273587 PMCID: PMC10233826 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is one of the promising technologies for the fabrication of microstructures due to its versatility, ease of fabrication, and low cost. However, the direct use of 3D-printed microstructure as a microchannel is still limited due to its surface property, biocompatibility, and transmittance. As an alternative, rapid prototyping of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) from 3D-printed microstructures ensures both biocompatibility and efficient fabrication. We employed 3D-printed molds fabricated using horizontal and vertical arrangement methods with different slice thicknesses in a digital light projection (DLP)-based 3D printing process to replicate PDMS microchannels. The replicated PDMS structures were investigated to compare their optical transmittances and surface roughness. Interestingly, the optical transmittance of PDMS from the 3D-printed mold was significantly increased via bonding two single PDMS layers. To evaluate the applicability of the replicated PDMS devices from the 3D-printed mold, we performed droplet generation in the PDMS microchannels, comparing the same device from a conventional Si-wafer mold. This study provides a fundamental understanding of prototyping microstructures from the DLP-based 3D-printed mold.
Collapse
|