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3D-Printed micro-optofluidic device for chemical fluids and cells detection
Fabiana Cairone1, Santi Davi1, Giovanna Stella1
1Department of Electrical Electronic and Computer Science Engineering, University of Catania, viale A. Doria 6, 95125, Catania, CT, Italy.
Biomedical Microdevices
|May 19, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a 3D-printed micro-optofluidic flow detector for analyzing biological and chemical samples. The device uses light transmission changes to detect fluid flow and cell concentrations in real-time.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- Optics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microfluidic devices are crucial for on-chip sample analysis.
- Integrating optical detection with microfluidics presents fabrication challenges.
- Poly-dimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) is a common material, but its use can be restrictive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel micro-optofluidic flow detector using 3D-printing technology.
- To enable on-chip investigation of biological and chemical samples.
- To overcome material limitations in microfluidic device fabrication.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a micro-optofluidic device using a master-slave approach with 3D-printing.
- Assembly of a microfluidic T-junction with a micro-optical section including optical fibers and a gold-spattered PDMS waveguide.
- Detection principle based on light transmission variations due to fluid interference with a laser beam.
Main Results:
- Successful realization of a PDMS micro-device leveraging 3D-printing.
- Demonstrated performance in fluid detection and cell concentration evaluation.
- Effective real-time monitoring of two-phase fluid flows under varying conditions.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-printed micro-optofluidic device offers a versatile platform for sample analysis.
- The technology allows for fabrication beyond traditional material constraints.
- The detector shows promise for real-time monitoring in diverse microfluidic applications.
