title: Simple and Versatile 3D Printed Microfluidics Using Fused Filament Fabrication.
abstract: The uptake of microfluidics by the wider scientific community has been limited by the fabrication barrier created by the skills and equipment required for the production of traditional microfluidic devices. Here we present simple 3D printed microfluidic devices using an inexpensive and readily accessible printer with commercially available printer materials. We demonstrate that previously reported limitations of transparency and fidelity have been overcome, whilst devices capable of operating at pressures in excess of 2000 kPa illustrate that leakage issues have also been resolved. The utility of the 3D printed microfluidic devices is illustrated by encapsulating dental pulp stem cells within alginate droplets; cell viability assays show the vast majority of cells remain live, and device transparency is sufficient for single cell imaging. The accessibility of these devices is further enhanced through fabrication of integrated ports and by the introduction of a Lego®-like modular system facilitating rapid prototyping whilst offering the potential for novices to build microfluidic systems from a database of microfluidic components.
authors.affiliation: Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alex J L
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom.|Oral and Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lorena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hidalgo San Jose
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wymant
authors.affiliation: Oral and Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Bing
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Song
authors.affiliation: Oral and Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.affiliation: Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Building, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Barrow
authors.affiliation: School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Oliver K
authors.initials: OK
authors.lastname: Castell
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D044085:Microfluidics; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology