Researchers 3D print unique micro-scale fluid channels used for medical testing

Date:
October 9, 2020
Source:
University of Minnesota
Summary:
In a groundbreaking new study, researchers have 3D printed unique
fluid channels at the micron scale that could automate production
of diagnostics, sensors, and assays used for a variety of medical
tests and other applications.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
In a groundbreaking new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota,
in collaboration with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development
Command Soldier Center, have 3D printed unique fluid channels at the
micron scale that could automate production of diagnostics, sensors,
and assays used for a variety of medical tests and other applications.


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The team is the first to 3D print these structures on a curved surface, providing the initial step for someday printing them directly on the
skin for real-time sensing of bodily fluids. The research is published
in Science Advances.

Microfluidics is a rapidly growing field involving the control of fluid
flows at the micron scale (one millionth of a meter). Microfluidics are
used in a wide range of application areas including environmental sensing, medical diagnostics (such as COVID-19 and cancer), pregnancy testing,
drug screening and delivery, and other biological assays.

The global microfluidics market value is currently estimated in the
billions of dollars. Microfluidic devices are typically fabricated in a controlled- environment cleanroom using a complex, multi-step technique
called photolithography. The fabrication process involves a silicone
liquid that is flowed over a patterned surface and then cured so that
the patterns form channels in the solidified silicone slab.

In this new study, the microfluidic channels are created in a single
step using 3D printing. The team used a custom-built 3D printer to
directly print the microfluidic channels on a surface in an open lab environment. The channels are about 300 microns in diameter -- about
three times the size of a human hair (one one-hundredth of an inch). The
team showed that the fluid flow through the channels could be controlled, pumped, and re-directed using a series of valves.

Printing these microfluidic channels outside of a cleanroom setting
could provide for robotic-based automation and portability in producing
these devices. For the first time, the researchers were also able to print microfluidics directly onto a curved surface. In addition, they integrated
them with electronic sensors for lab-on-a-chip sensing capabilities.

"This new effort opens up numerous future possibilities for microfluidic devices," said Michael McAlpine, a University of Minnesota mechanical engineering professor and senior researcher on the study. "Being able to
3D print these devices without a cleanroom means that diagnostic tools
could be printed by a doctor right in their office or printed remotely
by soldiers in the field." But McAlpine said the future is even more compelling.

"Being able to print on a curved surface also opens up many
new possibilities and uses for the devices, including printing
microfluidics directly on the skin for real-time sensing of bodily
fluids and functions," said McAlpine, who holds the Kuhrmeyer Family
Chair Professorship in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Minnesota. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Ruitao Su et al. 3D printed self-supporting elastomeric structures
for
multifunctional microfluidics. Science Advances, 2020 DOI: 10.1126/
sciadv.abc9846 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201009162424.htm

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