3D‐Printed Microfluidic Devices for Materials Science. Issue 7 (31st May 2018) - Alizadehgiashi, Moien
Abstract: Microfluidics (MFs) has emerged as a valuable and in some cases, unique platform for the synthesis and assembly of inorganic and polymeric materials. 3D printing enables time‐, labor‐, and cost‐efficient prototyping of MF devices, their durability during operation, and the ability to implement complex designs, however the applications of 3D‐printed MF devices in materials science are still in their infancy. Here, the synthesis and assembly of a diverse range of materials, including spraying‐based synthesis of inorganic NPs and conductive filaments, extrusion‐based fabrication of hydrogel fibers and sheets, and the preparation of composite solid films are reported. The properties are examined and potential applications of these materials are shown, the advantages of material fabrication in 3D‐printed MF devices are highlighted, and the directions for their further development are identified. Abstract : 3D printing enables time‐, labor‐, and cost‐efficient prototyping of microfluidic (MF) devices, their durability during operation, and the ability to implement complex designs. Here, four 3D‐printed MF devices that have applications in spraying or extrusion for fabrication and synthesis of materials are demonstrated.