2024/02/23
New opportunities with true 3D microfluidics
Advances in Two-Photon Polymerization allow to create not only 2D and 2.5D microchannel structures but also nearly any 3D object inside an open or even sealed microchannel. Explore Nanoscribe’s 3D Microfabrication solutions for rapid prototyping or fabrication of truly high-precision microfluidic systems.
Microchannel mastering and in-chip printing for microfluidic devices
Various 2.5D and 3D microfluidic elements such as nozzles, filters, mixers and capillary pumps become feasible thanks to the advanced 3D Microfabrication capabilities of Nanoscribe systems. Tailored topographies and smooth surfaces can be produced with high definition. Also sharp micro-needle arrays can be created to control small quantities of liquids, e.g., for precise drug delivery.
Our 3D printers offer the highest resolution for additive manufacturing available on the market, achieving minimal feature sizes in the submicron range. The additive approach allows to fabricate microchannel master molds in 2D and 2.5D and to directly print complex microfluidic 3D structures, such as a filigree microfluidic mixer, even in fully sealed microchannels.
For example, mastering and in-chip 3D printing are combined to miniaturize a wet-spinning process in a microfluidic chip: First, a positive master of the microfluidic channel system is printed. Then, by casting PDMS over the printed channels, a negative mold of the channel structures is fabricated. This PDMS slab is sealed by adhering it to a microscope slide using oxygen plasma. The channels are then filled with photoresin, followed by an in-chip 3D printing step. Using Two-Photon Polymerization and an objective lens to focus the laser beam inside the channel, a 3D micronozzle is printed.
Get inspired by 3D Microfabrication artworks
Microfluidics
application opportunities
Looking to assess the opportunities for your microfluidics project? Explore the application options of our 3D Microfabrication solutions and view the 10 most recent scientific publications in materials engineering from over 1,800 peer-reviewed journal articles.
To view the details of the publications and to find more research topics and applications in which Nanoscribe 2PP-based 3D printing systems are already successfully used, just enter our premium resources – log in or register for free.
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You get more publication examples and deeper insights within our premium resources. Via a keyword-underpinned database you find more than 1,800 scientific publications of our customers in specific application areas. Make use of the tool to gather valuable know-how and background information about the manifold application options.
