One-step fabrication of transparent three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic to millifluidic devices was demonstrated using a commercial 3D printer costing $2300 with 500 mL of clear resin for $138. It employs dynamic mask projection stereolithography, allowing fast concept-to-chip time. The fully automated system allows fabrication of models of up to 43 mm × 27 mm × 180 mm (x × y × z) at printing speeds of 20 mm/h in height regardless of the design complexity. The minimal cross sectional area of 250 μm was achieved for monolithic microchannels and 200 μm for positive structures (templates for soft lithography). The colorless resin’s good light transmittance (>60% transmission at wavelengths of > 430 nm) allows for on-chip optical detection, while the electrically insulating material allows electrophoretic separations. To demonstrate its applicability in microfluidics, the printer was used for the fabrication of a micromixer, a gradient generator, a droplet extractor, and a device for isotachophoresis. The mixing and gradient formation units were incorporated into a device for analysis of nitrate in tap water with standard addition as a single run and multiple depth detection cells to provide an extended linear range.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Chemical Sciences
Research Group:	Analytical chemistry
Research Field:	Separation science
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the chemical sciences
UTAS Author:	Shallan, AI (Ms Aliaa Shallan)
UTAS Author:	Smejkal, P (Dr Petr Smejkal)
UTAS Author:	Corban, M (Mrs Monika Corban)
UTAS Author:	Guijt, RM (Dr Rosanne Guijt)
UTAS Author:	Breadmore, MC (Professor Michael Breadmore)
ID Code:	96127
Year Published:	2014
Web of Science® Times Cited:	365
Deposited By:	Austn Centre for Research in Separation Science
Deposited On:	2014-10-20
Last Modified:	2017-10-27
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