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Varlei Rodrigues

Varlei Rodrigues

University of Campinas, Brazil

Title: Using fused deposition modeling 3d printing for simplified fabrication of integrated microfluidic devices

Biography

Biography: Varlei Rodrigues

Abstract

The preeminent control, manipulation and analysis of liquids at the submillimeter scale in microfluidics devices allowed the integration of research fields with emergent technologies such as lab-on-chips and organ-on-chips. Microfluidic devices based on Poly-Dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shown a plethora of experimental possibilities due to good transparency, flexibility and ability to adhere reversibly and irreversibly to distinct materials, however, its cost and handling directed the field to search for new options. The simple, fast and efficient prototyping process offered by 3D printing technology makes the technique suitable across diverse applications, emerging it as an alternative to the traditional approaches. We will present the use of a home-made fused deposition modelling 3D printer for rapid prototyping of microchannels in Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA). We were able to 3D-print sealed PLA microchannels, achieving important features, such as good transparency, use of a thermoplastic (PLA) alternative to Poly-Dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and easy integration of other materials during printing. In particular, flexible interdigitated electrodes were easily integrated within the microchannel, creating a microfluidic device within less than one hour. Finally, the 3D printing technology potentiates the field with more creative ideas and alternative materials for a rapid prototyping of complex structures, paving the way to more abundant developments.