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PolyJet-Based 3D Printing against Micromolds to Produce Channel Structures for Microchip Electrophoresis.
Major A Selemani1, Andre D Castiaux2, R Scott Martin1,2
1Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States.
ACS Omega
|April 27, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D printing method using micromolds to create microchip electrophoresis devices with tiny channels. This technique successfully separated amino acid mixtures, showcasing its potential for advanced microfluidic applications.
Area of Science:
- Microfluidics
- 3D Printing
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Microchip electrophoresis (MCE) devices require precise microchannel fabrication.
- Traditional methods for creating small microchannels can be complex and costly.
- 3D printing offers potential for rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel 3D printing approach for fabricating MCE devices.
- To achieve small microchannel dimensions using micromolds.
- To validate the performance of 3D-printed MCE devices for chemical separations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a PolyJet 3D printer with a stacked printing process.
- Employed removable micromolds (wires, brass, PDMS, sacrificial materials) during printing.
- Embedded molds to create recessed microchannel features.
- Bonded printed layers using a thermal lab press to seal microchannels.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated MCE devices with T-intersections and channel cross-sections as small as 48 × 12 μm².
- Observed cathodic electroosmotic flow (EOF).
- Achieved separation of fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FITC)-labeled amino acids using gated and pinched electrokinetic injections.
Conclusions:
- The micromold-assisted 3D printing method enables precise fabrication of microfluidic devices with sub-50 μm channels.
- 3D-printed MCE devices are capable of performing complex separations.
- This fabrication technique is a versatile platform for developing microfluidic devices for various applications.
