3D-Printed Microfluidic Chip for Real-Time Glucose Monitoring in Liquid Analytes

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Microfluidics

Background:

• In-line monitoring is crucial for optimizing biotechnological processes.
• Current methods often require manual sampling, limiting efficiency and increasing costs.
• Bridging macro- and microsystems facilitates real-time process insights.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed microfluidic chip for in-line glucose sensing.
• To integrate microsystem technology with macroscale biotechnological systems.
• To enable precise and continuous monitoring of glucose concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microfluidic chip using stereolithography.
• Integration of serpentine micromixers and commercial electrodes for sample preparation and sensing.
• Chronoamperometric detection of glucose concentrations in acetate buffer and cell culture medium.

Main Results:

• The microfluidic chip successfully measured glucose concentrations ranging from 0.1-100 mg/mL.
• The device demonstrated effective glucose sensing in a complex cell culturing medium.
• The chip design facilitates integration with external systems for in-line measurements.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed microfluidic chip offers a viable solution for in-line glucose monitoring.
• This technology enhances process control and optimization in biotechnological applications.
• The chip's design supports seamless connection with macrosystems like bioreactors.