Issue 11, 2016

3D printed microfluidic devices: enablers and barriers

Abstract

3D printing has the potential to significantly change the field of microfluidics. The ability to fabricate a complete microfluidic device in a single step from a computer model has obvious attractions, but it is the ability to create truly three dimensional structures that will provide new microfluidic capability that is challenging, if not impossible to make with existing approaches. This critical review covers the current state of 3D printing for microfluidics, focusing on the four most frequently used printing approaches: inkjet (i3DP), stereolithography (SLA), two photon polymerisation (2PP) and extrusion printing (focusing on fused deposition modeling). It discusses current achievements and limitations, and opportunities for advancement to reach 3D printing's full potential.

Graphical abstract: 3D printed microfluidic devices: enablers and barriers

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
29 feb 2016
Accepted
22 apr 2016
First published
25 apr 2016
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Lab Chip, 2016,16, 1993-2013

3D printed microfluidic devices: enablers and barriers

S. Waheed, J. M. Cabot, N. P. Macdonald, T. Lewis, R. M. Guijt, B. Paull and M. C. Breadmore, Lab Chip, 2016, 16, 1993 DOI: 10.1039/C6LC00284F

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