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PDMS lab-on-a-chip fabrication using 3D printed templates.

Germán Comina1, Anke Suska, Daniel Filippini

  • 1Optical Devices Laboratory - Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping 58183, Sweden. danfi@ifm.liu.se.

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|November 28, 2013
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Summary

Researchers demonstrate 3D printed templates for fabricating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on glass lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. This cost-effective method simplifies microfluidic device production, enhancing accessibility and versatility.

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Area of Science:

  • Microfluidics
  • Materials Science
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Conventional fabrication of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on glass substrates typically requires specialized cleanroom facilities and photolithographic techniques.
  • These established methods are often resource-intensive, limiting broader accessibility and rapid prototyping of microfluidic systems.
  • The need for simplified, cost-effective fabrication methods is crucial for advancing LOC technology in various scientific and diagnostic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To demonstrate a novel fabrication approach for PDMS-on-glass LOC devices utilizing 3D printed templates.
  • To showcase the capability of 3D printed templates to replace traditional cleanroom resources and photolithography.
  • To highlight the versatility of this method for creating complex microfluidic structures, including multilevel fluidics and integrated components.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of microfluidic templates using a commercial micro-stereo lithography 3D printer.
  • Direct transfer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto glass substrates using the 3D printed templates.
  • Integration of silicone tubing and creation of multilevel fluidic channels within the same template.
  • Demonstration of functionality through time-resolved glucose detection.

Main Results:

  • Achieved resolutions of 50 μm, with localized features down to 10 μm using 3D printed templates.
  • Templates enabled direct transfer and proper sealing of PDMS to glass substrates due to their surface smoothness.
  • Accommodated multiple thicknesses (50 μm to several mm) in a single template without additional cost.
  • Successfully integrated silicone tubing, improved micromixer performance, and created multilevel fluidics.
  • Demonstrated the utility of the fabricated LOC device for time-resolved glucose detection.

Conclusions:

  • 3D printed templates offer a cost-effective (average $0.48 per template) and rapid (under 20 min fabrication time) alternative to conventional LOC fabrication methods.
  • This approach significantly lowers the barrier to entry for LOC development, requiring minimal fabrication resources and design expertise.
  • The developed platform provides a versatile solution for creating established LOC configurations and exploring novel microfluidic designs, promoting wider adoption of LOC technology.