Researchers at Cardiff University are using 3D printing to create small devices that can move small volumes of liquid, which are then applied to various research fields. 3D printing allows them to share research content and equipment with other researchers, making microfluidics research more accessible to a wider audience. This approach replaces traditional, expensive facilities that require specialized operational knowledge and skills, with the currently used 3D printing technology offering them a cost-effective option. With advancements in technology and the availability of more materials, 3D printing continues to grow and play an important role in microfluidics research.
Let's take a look at how 3D printing is making a significant impact in the medical field! Let's explore the trends of 3D printing in the medical field~
Microfluidics Research
Microfluidic devices are small-scale circuits used to study the behavior of small volumes of fluid. These devices consist of small channels that transport small amounts of fluid to different sensors and circuits. Conceptually, they can be compared to plumbing systems on a chip, scaled down in size. The techniques used to manufacture these microfluidic devices largely align with those used in the microelectronics industry to create electronic chips for computers and mobile phones.
Microfluidic devices are used to create, for example, artificial cells for drug development, nuclear fusion targets for energy generation, and alginate capsules with neural stem cells for transplantation into individuals with spinal cord injuries.
Traditionally, the process of manufacturing these microfluidic devices has been very expensive, lengthy, and complex, requiring multidisciplinary expertise and advanced, costly equipment. However, with the integration of 3D printing technology, the manufacturing process has become incredibly fast, significantly reducing costs and allowing for 3D printing to be done on-site in research laboratories. (Editor D's aside😆😆😆: Wow~~ This way, you can print and test immediately, and know if the device design is successful~~~ Super time-saving XD)
Microfluidics research on the behavior of small fluid flows
3D Printed Microfluidic Devices
Researchers at Cardiff University use Ultimakers to print the microfluidic devices they use in their research. Many 3D printed structures are combined to form a 3Dx. Starting from multiple standard components (channels, connectors, etc.), the research team developed different types of microfluidic systems and used these designs to create a modular system that any other researcher can use to build their own microfluidic devices.
Compared to traditional methods, 3D printing significantly reduces costs and allows for rapid iteration in the design of microfluidic devices. Since designs can be easily shared with researchers in different locations, microfluidics research can also be shared with other researchers. Professor David Barrow of Cardiff University said:
Buying a 3D printer means that as long as you can draw a 3D printable object (3D model file) and print it using open-source software, it's very easy to quickly resolve many design bugs.
Ultimaker printing fluidic devices in the lab Assembling the fluidic device after printing different parts
Alex Morgan, a researcher at Cardiff University, noted that other researchers were previously reluctant to use 3D printing for microfluidic devices because the prints were opaque and often leaked. However, by optimizing printing settings, Alex found that transparent and watertight devices could be printed by using a layer thickness of 50 microns and a printing speed of 30 mm/s. The research team presented how this was achieved in a recent publication.
3D Printing Research
3D printing allows them to share microfluidic device designs with other researchers, making it convenient for them to print, test, and report results in their own labs. In this way, microfluidics can be used by other researchers who might not have used it otherwise.
As the field of 3D printing develops, its applications in research continue to grow. According to Oliver Castell, head of the Membrane Biophysics and Engineering Group, with the diversification of available materials and improvements in printer precision, not only microfluidics, but also optical and electronic components can be integrated into a single device. This will lead to the creation of multifunctional devices made from different materials.
With these technological advancements, the influence of 3D printing in the research field is gradually expanding.