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Simple and Versatile 3D Printed Microfluidics Using Fused Filament Fabrication

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Listed:
  • Alex J L Morgan
  • Lorena Hidalgo San Jose
  • William D Jamieson
  • Jennifer M Wymant
  • Bing Song
  • Phil Stephens
  • David A Barrow
  • Oliver K Castell

Abstract

The uptake of microfluidics by the wider scientific community has been limited by the fabrication barrier created by the skills and equipment required for the production of traditional microfluidic devices. Here we present simple 3D printed microfluidic devices using an inexpensive and readily accessible printer with commercially available printer materials. We demonstrate that previously reported limitations of transparency and fidelity have been overcome, whilst devices capable of operating at pressures in excess of 2000 kPa illustrate that leakage issues have also been resolved. The utility of the 3D printed microfluidic devices is illustrated by encapsulating dental pulp stem cells within alginate droplets; cell viability assays show the vast majority of cells remain live, and device transparency is sufficient for single cell imaging. The accessibility of these devices is further enhanced through fabrication of integrated ports and by the introduction of a Lego®-like modular system facilitating rapid prototyping whilst offering the potential for novices to build microfluidic systems from a database of microfluidic components.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex J L Morgan & Lorena Hidalgo San Jose & William D Jamieson & Jennifer M Wymant & Bing Song & Phil Stephens & David A Barrow & Oliver K Castell, 2016. "Simple and Versatile 3D Printed Microfluidics Using Fused Filament Fabrication," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(4), pages 1-17, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0152023
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric K. Sackmann & Anna L. Fulton & David J. Beebe, 2014. "The present and future role of microfluidics in biomedical research," Nature, Nature, vol. 507(7491), pages 181-189, March.
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    1. Panagiotis Karayannis & Stratos Saliakas & Ioannis Kokkinopoulos & Spyridon Damilos & Elias P. Koumoulos & Eleni Gkartzou & Julio Gomez & Constantinos Charitidis, 2022. "Facilitating Safe FFF 3D Printing: A Prototype Material Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-26, March.

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