Abstract
In this work, we fabricate microfluidic probes (MFPs) in a single step by stereolithographic 3D printing and benchmark their performance with standard MFPs fabricated via glass or silicon micromachining. Two research teams join forces to introduce two independent designs and fabrication protocols, using different equipment. Both strategies adopted are inexpensive and simple (they only require a stereolithography printer) and are highly customizable. Flow characterization is performed by reproducing previously published microfluidic dipolar and microfluidic quadrupolar reagent delivery profiles which are compared to the expected results from numerical simulations and scaling laws. Results show that, for most MFP applications, printer resolution artifacts have negligible impact on probe operation, reagent pattern formation, and cell staining results. Thus, any research group with a moderate resolution (≤100 µm) stereolithography printer will be able to fabricate the MFPs and use them for processing cells, or generating microfluidic concentration gradients. MFP fabrication involved glass and/or silicon micromachining, or polymer micromolding, in every previously published article on the topic. We therefore believe that 3D printed MFPs is poised to democratize this technology. We contribute to initiate this trend by making our CAD files available for the readers to test our “print & probe” approach using their own stereolithographic 3D printers.
Highlights
In this work, we fabricate microfluidic probes (MFPs) in a single step by stereolithographic 3D printing and benchmark their performance with standard MFPs fabricated via glass or silicon micromachining
This work demonstrates the applicability of stereolithography as a rapid, inexpensive and robust technique for fabricating MFPs
They are fast to fabricate – all steps can be made in less than a day. They only require a few milliliters of resin for laboratories or companies that have access to a stereolithography printer, are relatively inexpensive via 3D mail-order printing services, and are potentially as reusable as Si-based MFPs
Summary
We fabricate microfluidic probes (MFPs) in a single step by stereolithographic 3D printing and benchmark their performance with standard MFPs fabricated via glass or silicon micromachining. The main advantage of the MFP is that it overcomes major limitations of conventional channel-based microfluidics[11,12], such as high shear stress and tiny patterning areas, while allowing localized delivery of reagents for biological applications[13,14] Another major advantage of the MFP is its ability to pattern large, open planar surfaces using conventional lab equipment (such as cells on Petri dishes)[15]. An attempt to standardize this fabrication procedure introduced the glass-silicon hybrid vertical MFP (vMFP) concept, with a gasket-integrated probe holder for a more compact world-to-chip interface[4] This technique has been demonstrated to be very effective in fabricating MFPs with all fluidic apertures placed along a straight line, and is currently one of the most commonly adopted. Figure 1. 3D Printed MFPs. (a) MD configuration of the MFP and its operating principles. (b) MQ configuration of the MFP and its operating principles. (c) 3D printing fabrication steps for both designs of the MFP
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
