Integrated biocompatible 3D printed isoporous membranes with 7 μm pores

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Current 3D printing limitations hinder the creation of high-resolution microfluidic devices.
• Fabricating integrated, biocompatible isoporous membranes with controlled pore sizes is challenging.
• Organ-on-a-chip technology requires advanced microfluidic platforms for accurate biological mimicry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new 3D printing technique for high-resolution negative features.
• To demonstrate the fabrication of integrated, biocompatible isoporous membranes with small pore sizes.
• To construct a proof-of-concept microfluidic device for organ-on-a-chip applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel 3D printing technique to achieve native digital micro-mirror device (DMD) resolution.
• Fabricated fully integrated, biocompatible isoporous membranes with pore sizes as small as 7 μm.
• Constructed a microfluidic device with an integrated isoporous membrane for cell culture.

Main Results:

• Achieved native DMD resolution in negative features of 3D printed parts without hardware upgrades.
• Successfully fabricated biocompatible isoporous membranes with controlled, sub-10-micrometer pore sizes.
• Demonstrated a functional microfluidic device with two cell populations separated by the 3D printed membrane.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D printing technique overcomes limitations in microfeature fabrication.
• 3D printed isoporous membranes offer a versatile platform for microfluidic and biological applications.
• This technology advances the development of integrated organ-on-a-chip systems and other microdevices.