Modular micropumps fabricated by 3D printed technologies for polymeric microfluidic device applications

In order to facilitate the implementation of microfluidic technology for rapid point-of-care analysis, there is a demand for self-powered microfluidics. The modular architecture of degas driven plug-and-play polymeric micropumps and microfluidic cartridges arose during last decade as a powerful stra...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Álvarez Braña, Yara, Etxeberria Elezgarai, Jaione, Ruiz de Larrinaga, Lorena, Benito López, Fernando, Basabe Desmonts, Lourdes
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad del País Vasco
Repositorio:Addi. Archivo Digital para la Docencia y la Investigación
OAI Identifier:oai:addi.ehu.eus:10810/51937
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10810/51937
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:self-powered microfluidics
micropumps
degas driven flow
3D printing
stereolithography
starch-lugol reaction
Descripción
Sumario:In order to facilitate the implementation of microfluidic technology for rapid point-of-care analysis, there is a demand for self-powered microfluidics. The modular architecture of degas driven plug-and-play polymeric micropumps and microfluidic cartridges arose during last decade as a powerful strategy for autonomous flow control. So far, reported polymeric micropumps were made of poly-dimethyl siloxane and were fabricated by moulding. In this work, we showed that the advantages of three-dimensional printing can greatly benefit the development of modular micropumps. In addition, micropumps were created with a geometry that cannot be manufactured with conventional techniques, making it easily assemblable to microfluidic devices. Four types of polymeric resins and three printing methods were used to create a set of functional micropumps. It was shown that the material and the design of the printed micropumps were related to their power, making them tuneable and programmable. Finally, as proof of concept, a self-powered colorimetric test for the detection of starch was demonstrated. Three-dimensional printed micropumps emerge as an innovative element in the field of self-powered microfluidics, which may be the key to develop integrated microsystems for several applications such as in rapid point-of-care analysis.