3D printed fluidics with embedded analytic functionality for automated reaction optimisation

Abstract

Additive manufacturing or ‘3D printing’ is being developed as a novel manufacturing process for the production of bespoke micro- and milliscale fluidic devices. When coupled with online monitoring and optimisation software, this offers an advanced, customised method for performing automated chemical synthesis. This paper reports the use of two additive manufacturing processes, stereolithography and selective laser melting, to create multifunctional fluidic devices with embedded reaction monitoring capability. The selectively laser melted parts are the first published examples of multifunctional 3D printed metal fluidic devices. These devices allow high temperature and pressure chemistry to be performed in solvent systems destructive to the majority of devices manufactured via stereolithography, polymer jetting and fused deposition modelling processes previously utilised for this application. These devices were integrated with commercially available flow chemistry, chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis equipment, allowing automated online and inline optimisation of the reaction medium. This set-up allowed the optimisation of two reactions, a ketone functional group interconversion and a fused polycyclic heterocycle formation, via spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis.

Feasibility and Biocompatibility of 3D‐Printed Photopolymerized and Laser Sintered Polymers for Neuronal, Myogenic, and Hepatic Cell Types

“…The possibility of 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing (AM)) bespoke biologically receptive parts, has driven the increasing application of AM technologies in biological systems. Techniques such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), photopolymerization processes such as stereolithography (SL) and PolyJet printing, in addition to powder‐based particle consolidation laser sintering (LS) technology have all previously been utilized to provide devices/scaffolds for bioengineering . However, the numerous advantages of AM, including design freedom and rapid production without molds or tooling, are currently offset by a lack of fully characterized biocompatible materials …”

The Molecular Industrial Revolution: Automated Synthesis of Small Molecules

“…[78] Targeted further developments in this field include enabling robotic platforms to handle complete synthetic routes, including work-up and purification steps. [79] …”

Additive Manufacturing Technologies: 3D Printing in Organic Synthesis

“…In early 2017, Christie and co‐workers reported the creation of different multifunctional fluidic devices with embedded reaction monitor capability for the synthesis of heterocycles …”

“…[48] In early 2017, Christie and co-workers reported the creation of different multifunctional fluidic devices with embedded reaction monitorcapability for the synthesis of heterocycles. [49] Initially,areactor with an inline spectroscopic flow cell printed with SLA technology was realized (circular channels, ID: 1.5 mm, volume:2 .8 mL) and located in the HPLC detector. This reactor, connected to a5mL stainless coil reactor, present at erminal cell designed for the DAD compartment of the HPLC for in-line analysisa nd was used for the determination of the best reaction conditions for the conversion of (R)-carvone to its corresponding semicarbazoneu sing semicarbazide and sodium acetate (Scheme 14).…”

“…b) CAD model and SL 3D printed reactorwith embedded analytic functionality.c )10mLS LM reactor. Images are reproduced with permission from Christie et al [49] Scheme15. 3D printed mesoreactors for catalytic stereoselective synthesis of APIs.…”