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Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices

Using Adhesive Patterning to Construct 3D Paper Microfluidic Devices

Published on: April 1, 2016

Autonomous microfluidic capillaric circuits replicated from 3D-printed molds.

A O Olanrewaju¹, A Robillard¹, M Dagher¹

¹Biomedical Engineering Department, McGill University, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada. david.juncker@mcgill.ca and McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada.

|October 11, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed 3D-printed capillary circuits (CCs) for autonomous liquid delivery. This rapid, inexpensive method enables modular microfluidic devices, simplifying complex fluid handling for various applications.

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Last Updated: Mar 13, 2026

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Micropatterning and Assembly of 3D Microvessels

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Published on: September 9, 2016

Area of Science:

Microfluidics
Materials Science
Engineering

Background:

Capillary circuits (CCs) are modular microfluidic devices that control liquid delivery using capillary pressure.
Conventional CC fabrication relies on slow and expensive photolithography.
There is a need for accessible and cost-effective methods to produce CCs.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a rapid and inexpensive method for manufacturing capillary circuits (CCs) using 3D-printed molds.
To establish design rules for CCs and their components, such as trigger valves.
To demonstrate the autonomous sequential delivery of multiple liquids using 3D-printed CCs.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of CC molds using a benchtop 3D printer.
Creation of poly(dimethylsiloxane) replicas from 3D-printed molds.
Experimental testing and computational modeling to establish design rules for fluidic elements.
Validation of trigger valve and retention burst valve functionality with aqueous solutions.

Main Results:

Successful fabrication of functional CCs using 3D-printed molds.
Demonstrated reliable operation of trigger valves with geometries up to 80-fold larger than conventional ones.
Established design rules for sequential liquid delivery using retention burst valves.
Achieved autonomous delivery of eight liquids in a pre-determined sequence in under 7 minutes.

Conclusions:

3D printing offers a rapid, inexpensive, and accessible approach for fabricating capillary circuits (CCs).
This method democratizes the use of advanced microfluidic devices for autonomous liquid delivery.
The developed CCs have potential applications in diagnostics, research, and education.