Multiscale 3D-printing of microfluidic AFM cantilevers
Robert C L N Kramer1, Eleonoor J Verlinden1, Livia Angeloni2
1Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME), Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime, and Materials Engineering (3mE), Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands. m.k.ghatkesar@tudelft.nl.
Lab on a Chip
|December 7, 2019
Summary
3D printing offers a faster and more affordable way to create microfluidic atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever probes. These novel probes enable precise fluid handling for applications like cell imaging and manipulation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Microfluidic atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever probes integrate fluid handling with AFM capabilities.
- Conventional fabrication methods are complex and costly, limiting accessibility.
- Precise fluid manipulation near or within cells is crucial for biological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective and rapid fabrication method for microfluidic AFM cantilever probes.
- To explore the use of 3D additive manufacturing for creating these specialized probes.
- To demonstrate the functionality of 3D printed probes for AFM applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized stereolithography and two-photon polymerization, two distinct 3D additive manufacturing techniques.
- Designed and directly printed microfluidic AFM cantilever probes with integrated channels and apertures.
- Characterized probe dimensions, spring constant, and material elastic modulus.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated ready-to-use microfluidic AFM cantilever probes using 3D printing.
- Achieved reduced fabrication time and increased design flexibility compared to traditional methods.
- Demonstrated probe performance in AFM surface imaging, cell membrane puncturing, and single-cell aspiration.
Conclusions:
- 3D additive manufacturing provides an efficient and versatile approach for producing microfluidic AFM probes.
- The developed probes are functional and suitable for advanced nanoscale fluid manipulation and biological applications.
- This technology has the potential to lower the barrier for utilizing microfluidic AFM systems.
