Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Combining Fluidic Devices with Microscopy and Flow Cytometry to Study Microbial Transport in Porous Media Across Spatial Scales
Published on: November 25, 2020
3D printed mold leachates in PDMS microfluidic devices
Marcia de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz1, Jennifer Beth Nagashima2, Bastien Venzac3
1Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, Virginia, 22630, USA. ferrazm@si.edu.
3D printed molds for microfluidic devices can leach chemicals into poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). However, PDMS devices made with these molds successfully supported physiological cell and tissue cultures, showing promise for rapid prototyping.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Biomaterials
- Cell Culture Technology
Background:
- Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and soft lithography revolutionized microfluidics.
- 3D printing offers rapid prototyping for PDMS microfluidic devices, but resin toxicity and leaching are concerns.
- The potential for 3D printed molds to leach substances into PDMS, affecting cell cultures, remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate component leaching from stereolithography-based 3D printed molds into PDMS.
- To compare 3D printed molds with conventional SU-8 molds regarding leaching.
- To assess the suitability of PDMS devices fabricated with 3D printed molds for physiological cell and tissue culture.
Main Methods:
- PDMS devices were fabricated using 3D printed molds and conventional SU-8 molds.
- Leachates in aqueous solutions within PDMS devices were analyzed.
- Cellular and tissue cultures (HeLa cells, ovarian tissues) were performed in PDMS devices post-washing and conditioning.
Main Results:
- Various leachates from resins and catalysts were detected in PDMS devices made with 3D printed molds.
- Despite leaching, PDMS devices fabricated from 3D printed molds supported physiological cultures of HeLa cells and ovarian tissues.
- Outcomes in devices from 3D printed molds were superior to static conventional cultures.
Conclusions:
- Stereolithography 3D printed molds can leach substances into PDMS microfluidic devices.
- Proper washing and conditioning enable the use of these PDMS devices for physiological cell and tissue culture.
- 3D printed molds offer a viable, rapid prototyping alternative for creating PDMS microfluidic devices for biological applications.
