Rapid fabrication of modular 3D paper-based microfluidic chips using projection-based 3D printing

Paper-based microchips have different advantages, such as better biocompatibility, simple production, and easy handling, making them promising candidates for clinical diagnosis and other fields. This study describes a method developed to fabricate modular three-dimensional (3D) paper-based microfluidic chips based on projection-based 3D printing (PBP) technology. A series of two-dimensional (2D) paper-based microfluidic modules was designed and fabricated. After evaluating the effect of exposure time on the accuracy of the flow channel, the resolution of this channel was experimentally analyzed. Furthermore, several 3D paper-based microfluidic chips were assembled based on the 2D ones using different methods, with good channel connectivity. Scaffold-based 2D and hydrogel-based 3D cell culture systems based on 3D paper-based microfluidic chips were verified to be feasible. Furthermore, by combining extrusion 3D bioprinting technology and the proposed 3D paper-based microfluidic chips, multiorgan microfluidic chips were established by directly printing 3D hydrogel structures on 3D paper-based microfluidic chips, confirming that the prepared modular 3D paper-based microfluidic chip is potentially applicable in various biomedical applications.

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