Potential of CO2-laser processing of quartz for fast prototyping of microfluidic reactors and templates for 3D cell assembly over large scale. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perrone, Elisabetta; Cesaria, Maura; Zizzari, Alessandra; Bianco, Monica; Ferrara, Francesco; Raia, Lillo; Guarino, Vita; Cuscunà, Massimo; Mazzeo, Marco; Gigli, Giuseppe; Moroni, Lorenzo; Arima, Valentina
• Is Part Of: Materials today bio. Volume 12(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: CO2-laser ablation -- Microfluidics -- Micro-reactors -- 3D cell assembly -- Lab-on-a-Chip -- Organ-on-a-Chip; Materials science -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-0064

Abstract

Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO2 )-laser processing of glasses is a versatile maskless writing technique to engrave micro-structures with flexible control on shape and size. In this study, we present the fabrication of hundreds of microns quartz micro-channels and micro-holes by pulsed CO2 -laser ablation with a focus on the great potential of the technique in microfluidics and biomedical applications. After discussing the impact of the laser processing parameters on the design process, we illustrate specific applications. First, we demonstrate the use of a serpentine microfluidic reactor prepared by combining CO2 -laser ablation and post-ablation wet etching to remove surface features stemming from laser-texturing that are undesirable for channel sealing. Then, cyclic olefin copolymer micro-pillars are fabricated using laser-processed micro-holes as molds with high detail replication. The hundreds of microns conical and square pyramidal shaped pillars are used as templates to drive 3D cell assembly. Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells are found to assemble in a compact and wrapping way around the micro-pillars forming a tight junction network. These applications are interesting for both Lab-on-a-Chip and Organ-on-a-Chip devices. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Carbon dioxide-laser ablation was used for fast prototyping of quartz. Serpentine microfluidic reactors were prepared after post-ablation wet etching. Polymeric micro-pillars were fabricated using quartz micro-holes as molds. Micro-pillars were used as templates to drive 3D assembly of Endothelial Cells. Cells organize in a vessel-like configuration forming tight junctions.