Open-source interactive design platform for 3D-printed microfluidic devices

Abstract

Microfluidics and 3D printing offer exciting opportunities for the development of new technologies and applications in the fields of biology, chemistry, and medicine. However, the design of 3D-printed microfluidic devices remains a challenging and complex task, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise in fluid mechanics, 3D modeling, and 3D printing technology. Currently, there are very few tools helping engineers to do the labor-intensive process of designing microfluidic devices, let alone any tools that can help them design microfluidic devices for 3D printing. In this work, we introduce Flui3d, an interactive software platform for designing microfluidic devices for 3D printing. Flui3d offers a standard parameterized component library, support for multi-layer design, and the ability to design and configure microfluidic devices without the need for specialized knowledge. Flui3d incorporates a distinctive Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM) function, facilitating seamless fabrication of the designed microfluidic devices using commercial consumer-grade printers. We discuss the key features and benefits of Flui3d and demonstrate them by designing examples of microfluidic devices. We also discuss the design complexity and the potential applications of Flui3d. Yushen Zhang and colleagues report an open source, interactive software platform for the efficient and convenient design of 3D printable microfluidic devices. The approach incorporates a design-for-manufacturing function, facilitating device fabrication using commercial consumer-grade printers.