Low-cost microfabrication methodology for microfluidic chips using 3D printer and replica molding techniques for biosensors

Abstract

Microfluidics is an area that allows the design and construction of microchips. The most common fabrication of these chips is expensive and difficult to access, requiring a specialized laboratory, with instruments that need to be monitored by experienced technicians and high-cost materials, then new techniques are sought to facilitate their production. Here, we present a fabrication methodology that combines the 3D printer resolution, and the polydimethylsiloxane flexibility to create hydrophobic and biocompatible microfluidics chips which are connected to a microfluidic control system. Transparent, and leak-free polydimethylsiloxane microchips were achieved with a width and a height of 250 µm. This strategy allows to produce at least, 20 chips using the same resin mold. The pressure at which the chip can work is from 2.4 kPa to 124 kPa. This work provides a low-cost alternative for academic and research groups to create their own microfluidic systems and use the microfluidic advantages in all types of applications including biosensor building, studies in medicine, biology, nanoscience, environmental technology, chemistry, etc., since it allows a controlled manipulation of one or more fluids in a certain area where a sensor can be placed, generate a reaction, among others.