Fabrication and Functionalization of 3D Printed Polydimethylsiloxane‐Based Microfluidic Devices Obtained through Digital Light Processing. Issue 9 (29th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gonzalez, Gustavo; Chiappone, Annalisa; Dietliker, Kurt; Pirri, Candido Fabrizio; Roppolo, Ignazio
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 5:Issue 9(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-07-29
• Subjects: 3D printing -- microfluidics -- photopolymerization -- silicone materials -- surface functionalization; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202000374
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: This work reports the preparation and 3D printing of a custom‐made photopolymer based on acrylate‐polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), for the fabrication of complex‐shaped 3D printed microfluidic chips. By selecting and combining the proper materials during the preparation of the resins along with the freedom of design of light‐based 3D printers, 3D microfluidic PDMS‐like chips are obtained with excellent optical features, high chemical stability, and good mechanical properties. Furthermore, taking advantage of unreacted functional groups exposed on the sample's surface after the 3D printing step, the surface properties of the devices are easily and selectively modified during the postcuring step through UV‐induced grafting polymerization techniques, giving an added value to the printed devices in terms of surface treatment compared to conventional methods. The 3D printing of the PDMS‐based resins developed here may potentially transforms the fabrication methodology of PDMS microfluidic devices by decreasing manufacturing costs and time, allowing the production of complex‐shaped and truly 3D microdevices. Abstract : Flexible 3D printed microfluidic chips with high chemical stability are fabricated with acrylate‐polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by digital light processing (DLP) technology. The channels' surfaces are then selectively functionalized through UV‐induced grafting polymerization in the postcuring step, exploiting the unreacted acrylic functional groups. This process gives an added value to the 3D printed devices, paving the way to 3D printed functional microfluidics.