Fabrication of 3D photo-resistive structure for artificial capillary blood vessel

Abstract

We propose a new method to fabricate artificial capillary blood vessel using direct laser writing. IP-L and Ormocomp is used as the photo-resistive material. A hollow pipe microstructure, a 3×3 array twig microstructure and array of hollow twig microstructure is fabricated with IP-L as photo-resistive material. Ormocomp, a biocompatible photoresist is used to fabricate a similar design. These designs are purposely chosen because these structures can resemble capillary blood vessel. SU-8 is employed as the developer for both photoresist. The fabrication time and the comparison between IP-L and Ormocomp fabrication are discussed. Fabrication time is related to the fabrication model chosen during direct laser writing process. Combined model is recommended as the fabrication takes a shorter time compare to solid model and the microstructure is more likely to sustain on the substrate after development. Laser power is another important parameter during fabrication. IP-L can use up to 100% laser power while Ormocomp microstructure must be fabricated with laser power less than 100%. The fabrication of artificial capillary blood vessel has the potential application in testing new drugs for its glomerular filtration rate.