We have been developing integrated microfluidic systems that allow both sample preparation and rapid separation to provide automated analysis of disease-related biomarkers. These microchips include solid-phase extraction capabilities for sample enrichment and labeling, as well as microchip electrophoresis separation. We have found that conventional planar thin-film microfabrication methods do not allow for scalable production of complex, integrated microfluidic devices. Thus, we have been developing 3D printing as a much better suited method for making microfluidic systems containing pumps, valves, porous polymer monoliths, and separation columns. The ability to make truly microfluidic cross sectional features (&lt;100 x 100 square microns) resulted from our optimization of resin properties, understanding of the material polymerization process, and development of a 3D printer with sufficiently small (&lt;10 micron) pixel size. We have recently been able to achieve truly microfluidic (20 x 20 square micron) channel dimensions through 3D printing. We are now utilizing these 3D-printed microfluidic devices to carry out rapid analysis of disease-linked biomarkers. 3D-printed integrated microfluidic systems allow both rapid prototyping and scalable fabrication, providing an ideal platform for advancing biomolecular diagnostics.

3D-printed integrated microfluidic devices for biomolecular assays

255th National Meeting (2018)

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