The upcoming 3D-printing revolution in microfluidics

Area of Science:

• Microfluidics
• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) soft lithography has dominated microfluidic system fabrication for two decades.
• PDMS offers desirable properties like biocompatibility, elasticity, and transparency.
• Limitations include labor-intensive processes, limited 3D complexity, and difficulty in widespread dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in 3D-printing for microfluidic systems.
• To compare 3D-printing with traditional PDMS molding.
• To identify barriers to 3D-printing adoption and evaluate its growing appeal.

Main Methods:

• Review of past and recent literature on 3D-printed microfluidics.
• Comparative analysis of PDMS molding and 3D-printing techniques.
• Evaluation of critical factors influencing technology adoption.

Main Results:

• 3D-printing offers automated, assembly-free fabrication with decreasing costs and improving resolution.
• Key barriers to 3D-printing adoption include resolution, throughput, and resin biocompatibility.
• Despite challenges, researchers are increasingly shifting from PDMS molding to 3D-printing.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printing presents a promising, automated alternative to PDMS soft lithography for microfluidic device fabrication.
• Addressing current limitations in resolution, throughput, and resin development is crucial for wider adoption.
• The advantages of 3D-printing are driving a growing trend towards its use in microfluidics research.