Abstract
Integrated microfluidic systems afford extensive benefits for chemical and biological fields, yet traditional, monolithic methods of microfabrication restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems. Here, a simple, reconfigurable and high fluid pressure modular microfluidic system is presented. The screw interconnects reversibly assemble each individual microfluidic module together. Screw connector provided leak-free fluidic communication, which could withstand fluid resistances up to 500 kPa between two interconnected microfluidic modules. A sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using 3D printing was developed. The capability for modular microfluidic system was demonstrated by generating sodium alginate gel microspheres. This 3D printed modular microfluidic system makes it possible to meet the needs of the end-user, and can be applied to bioassays, material synthesis, and other applications.
Highlights
The reconfigurable microfluidic system are connected by basic module components together to form an integrated microfluidic system, which could achieves specific functions of biochemical analysis, such as emulsion generation [1], multi-organ-chips [2], gradient generation [3], and biochemical analysis [4]
Any part of failure of a monolithic microfluidic system may require rebuilding the entire system, which will result in long development time and incur substantial costs
The advantage of a modular system is made of the assembly of basic modular components, and each module can be designed and tested separately before connecting them together to form a larger system
Summary
The reconfigurable microfluidic system are connected by basic module components together to form an integrated microfluidic system, which could achieves specific functions of biochemical analysis, such as emulsion generation [1], multi-organ-chips [2], gradient generation [3], and biochemical analysis [4]. Existing systems often use a monolithic approach, where chemical reactors, sensors, valves, pumps, and detectors are integrated on a single chip. The typical fabrication methods of monolithic microfluidic systems, which include soft lithography, hot embossing, and femtosecond laser writing, are time consuming and often expensive. The advantage of a modular system is made of the assembly of basic modular components, and each module can be designed and tested separately before connecting them together to form a larger system
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