Simple and Versatile 3D Printed Microfluidics Using Fused Filament Fabrication

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152023
• Publication Date: 2016-04-06T19:38:44Z
• Authors: Alex J. L. Morgan; Lorena Hidalgo Sa...; William D. Jamieson; Jennifer M. Wymant; Bing Song; Phil Stephens; David A. Barrow; Oliver K. Castell
• Keywords: 3d printed; Rapid Prototyping

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