REPlicating RAPid microfluidics: self-replicating printer for hydrophobic pattern deposition
Paper-based microfluidics broadens the use of point-of-care devices to applications and situations wherein cost is an important restriction. This study focuses on the REPRAP PRUSA i3 Printer that can print itself a part that combined with an infusion pump extends the capabilities of this printer, wh...
| Autores: | , , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2017 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/115885 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/115885 https://dx.doi.org/10.1089/3dp.2017.0042 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Microfluidic devices Three-dimensional printing Lab on a chip 3D printer Paper-based microfluidics Blood type assay Point-of-care testing Dispositius microfluidics Impressió 3D Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials |
| Sumario: | Paper-based microfluidics broadens the use of point-of-care devices to applications and situations wherein cost is an important restriction. This study focuses on the REPRAP PRUSA i3 Printer that can print itself a part that combined with an infusion pump extends the capabilities of this printer, which can now create different types of hydrophobic patterns on an abundant, renewable substrate: paper. Different flow rates of the syringe pump and printing velocities are combined to optimize the resolution of this new manufacturing process. Besides different papers are used to print patterns to either check the influence of the paper type on the printing resolution or to choose the more suitable paper to build blood typing assays. The resolution improves decreasing flow rate and increasing printing velocity to a minimum value ~10% higher than the needle diameter. The printer working with a G25 needle prints microfluidic patterns that can be used to evaluate the blood type on different types of chromatographic papers. Two blood types (A- and O-) are evaluated with this new approach with results equivalent to traditional methods, validating its feasibility in clinical practice. This novel printing method for paper-based microfluidics manufacturing does not require specialized equipment or skills, it is fast and inexpensive, and thus can help to introduce the advantage of healthcare in areas where access to health systems is not guaranteed. |
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