Discrete elements for 3D microfluidics

Abstract

Microfluidic systems are rapidly becoming commonplace tools for high-precision materials synthesis, biochemical sample preparation, and biophysical analysis. Typically, microfluidic systems are constructed in monolithic form by means of microfabrication and, increasingly, by additive techniques. These methods restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems by placing unnecessary emphasis on complete functional integration of operational elements in a planar environment. Here, we present a solution based on discrete elements that liberates designers to build large-scale microfluidic systems in three dimensions that are modular, diverse, and predictable by simple network analysis techniques. We develop a sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using stereolithography. We predict and validate the flow characteristics of these individual components to design and construct a tunable concentration gradient generator with a scalable number of parallel outputs. We show that these systems are rapidly reconfigurable by constructing three variations of a device for generating monodisperse microdroplets in two distinct size regimes and in a high-throughput mode by simple replacement of emulsifier subcircuits. Finally, we demonstrate the capability for active process monitoring by constructing an optical sensing element for detecting water droplets in a fluorocarbon stream and quantifying their size and frequency. By moving away from large-scale integration toward standardized discrete elements, we demonstrate the potential to reduce the practice of designing and assembling complex 3D microfluidic circuits to a methodology comparable to that found in the electronics industry. modular microfluidics | microfluidic circuit design | 3D-printed microfluidics

Multisensor-integrated organs-on-chips platform for automated and continual in situ monitoring of organoid behaviors

“…We believe, however, at the initial prototyping stage such a platform has allowed us to validate our approach of multisensor integration. Efforts have been initiated toward further compacting and simplifying the platform by adopting LEGO and/or cartridge assemblies as recently reported for the fabrication of organs-on-a-chip models (67)(68)(69)(70)(71). Further efforts on improved scaling of our platform should, in principle, allow for more accurate modeling of the human system and therefore achieve better prediction of drug efficacy/toxicity (33).…”

Design and additive manufacture for flow chemistry

“…Malmstadt et al published research in which they produced a library of compartmentalised microfluidic component and connectors. 128 These parts were manufactured via stereolithography (SL) from a commercially available Somos WaterShed XC 11122 photoresin. 120 The SL process uses layer-by-layer photo- ceramic injection moulding processes.…”

Rapid assembly of multilayer microfluidic structures via 3D-printed transfer molding and bonding

“…For example, various groups have used 3D printers to fabricate simple microfluidic devices with truly 3D geometries, including microfluidic devices without moving elements, such as resistors 20 and modular components 21 , as well as those with movable components, such as capacitors, diodes, and transistors 22 . Currently, the field of 3D-printed microfluidics is limited by the following: (1) the available resolution of the printer 20 ; (2) surface roughness 23,24 ; and (3) material types 25,26 ; however, 3D printing technologies are expected to rapidly advance and address these matters in the coming years.…”