Exploring the Use of Desktop 3D Printing for Microfluidics Prototyping

Abstract

Despite the tremendous impact of 3D printing on mechanical and design prototypes the use of 3D printers in microfluidics has been extremely limited. The current methods of constructing microfluidic devices use relatively complex, multistep processes that require the construction of molds (soft lithography) or photomasks (IC style and paper microfluidics). 3D printing has the potential to create microfluidic devices in a single step- dramatically reducing the time from design to the completion of a working prototype, as well as avoiding the large overhead cost associated with a large scale manufacturing process. This work takes a close look at the use of one method of 3D printing called Fused Filament Manufacturing (FFM) to create microfluidic prototypes. This work investigates the barriers that have prevented the wider use of this method in microfluidics and how these barriers may be overcome. The components of this study include a look at the design of microfluidic devices for 3D printing, the resolution and design limitations of 3D printing using FFM, and the printing of basic microfluidic components. Finally, as an example of using 3D printing for microfluidics, a prototype device that could be used to detect Sarin gas (a nerve agent) in blood is designed and constructed.