Abstract: Microfluidics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are critical to the biopharmaceutical screening, testing and diagnostics markets. As the market need for highly specialized microfluidics tools continues to increase, so will the need for better high-volume production and manufacturing strategies. Today’s mainstream processes – such as hot embossing, micro-injection molding, and sheet processes – have limitations in geometries and designs that can be created.
3D printing of microfluidics has historically been viewed as a low-throughput way to generate devices. Additionally, even with the best SLA and DLP systems on the market today, it has been challenging to generate feature sizes below 25 µm. Higher resolution 3D printers based on 2-photon polymerization (2PP), which can achieve smaller feature sizes, have historically been too slow to be considered for high-throughput batch production [1].
In this seminar, UpNano GmbH will present their NanoOne 3D printing technology and highlight several recent examples where the machine has been used to extend what is currently achievable in high-resolution manufacturing. NanoOne is unique from other commercial 2PP systems because of the significantly higher speed, piezo precision stage and mesoscale build volume. This talk will feature recent work in bioprinting whereby 2PP was used to generate microvascular structures directly on-chip [2]. It will also highlight recent work showcasing an entirely 3D-printed microfluidic ship (8.8 mm x 8.2 mm x 3.6 mm) with ten channels that deliver sub-microliter volume flowrates (~600 nL/min per channel). This chip features 50 µm diameter channels and insertable cradles with a nozzle that engages with each channel to link medium flow to a cell culture cavity [3]. The proprietary acrylate resin used for this device, UpOpto (UpNano GmbH) is highly transmissive to visible light and suitably stiff to create rigid structures, while still being sufficiently flexible under elastic strain, enabling capabilities such as nozzle insertion within the nest. The use of this materials in a 2PP fabrication strategy addresses the limitations of PDMS by avoiding leaching that affects cell physiology and viability, absorption of molecules from media and water evaporation. This novel microfluidic design is being further developed into a commercial in vitro embryo culture and 3D cell culture system.