Fully 3D printed fluidic devices with integrated valves and pumps for flow injection analysis. Issue 42 (13th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Castiaux, Andre D.; Selemani, Major A.; Ward, Morgan A.; Martin, R. Scott
• Is Part Of: Analytical methods. Volume 13:Issue 42(2021)
• Page Start: 5017
• Page End: 5024
• Publication Date: 2021-10-13
• Subjects: Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Analytical biochemistry -- Periodicals; Chemical laboratories -- Standards -- Periodicals; 543.1905
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ay01569a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-9660

Abstract

Abstract : A PolyJet 3D printer was used to create a microfluidic device with integrated valves and pumps. A flow injection analysis device that enabled the discrete injections of analyte resulted, with on-chip pumps being used to move the fluid streams. Abstract : The use of a PolyJet 3D printer to create a microfluidic device that has integrated valves and pumps is described. The process uses liquid support and stacked printing to result in fully printed devices that are ready to use within minutes of fabrication after minimal post-processing. A unique feature of PolyJet printing is the ability to incorporate several different materials of varying properties into one print. In this work, two commercially available materials were used: a rigid-transparent plastic material (VeroClear) was used to define the channel regions and the bulk of the device, while the pumps/valves were printed in a flexible, rubber-like material (Agilus30). The entire process, from initial design to testing takes less than 4 hours to complete. The performance of the valves and pumps were characterized by fluorescence microscopy. A flow injection analysis device that enabled the discrete injections of analyte plugs was created, with on-chip pumps being used to move the fluid streams. The injection process was found to be reproducible and linearly correlated with changes in analyte concentration. The utility was demonstrated with the injection and rapid lysis of fluorescently-labeled endothelial cells. The ability to produce a device with integrated pumps/valves in one process significantly adds to the applicability of 3D printing to create microfluidic devices for analytical measurements.