We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




3D Printing Used to Create Degradable Microfluidic Devices

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 21 Sep 2017
A team of bioengineers modified the stereolithographic three-dimensional printing technique to create a series of microfluidic devices from biocompatible and degradable materials.

The stereolithographic technique is based on a computer-guided ultraviolet laser that traces patterns across the surface of a photoactive polymer solution. More...
The light causes the polymers to coalesce, forming covalently bound, solid three-dimensional structures within the solution. The tracing process is repeated until an entire object is built from the bottom up.

Investigators at Brown University (Providence, RI, USA) modified this technique by printing on hydrogels using noncovalent (ionic) crosslinking, which enabled reversible patterning with controlled degradation. They demonstrated the feasibility of this approach using sodium alginate, photoacid generators, and various combinations of divalent cation salts, which could be used to tune the hydrogel degradation kinetics, pattern fidelity, and mechanical properties.

The investigators described in the September 5, 2017, online edition of the journal Lab on a Chip how they used this technique to prepare template perfusable microfluidic channels within a second encapsulating hydrogel for T-junction and gradient devices. Degradable alginate barriers were used to direct collective cell migration from different initial geometries, revealing differences in front speed and leader cell formation. The presence and degradation of printed alginate microstructures were further verified to have minimal toxicity on epithelial cells.

"The idea is that the attachments between polymers should come apart when the ions are removed, which we can do by adding a chelating agent that grabs all the ions," said senior author Dr. Ian Wong, assistant professor of engineering at Brown University. "This way we can pattern transient structures that dissolve away when we want them to. We can start to think about using this in artificial tissues where you might want channels running through it that mimic blood vessels. We could potentially template that vasculature using alginate and then dissolve it away like we did for the microfluidic channels."

Related Links:
Brown University


New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Candida Glabrata Test
ELIchrom Glabrata
New
DNA/RNA Extraction/Purification Kit
Nucleic Acid Extraction or Purification Kit
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric leukemia ensures better outcomes for children with this common cancer (Photo courtesy of Qlucore)

RNA-Seq Based Diagnostic Test Enhances Diagnostic Accuracy of Pediatric Leukemia

A new unique test is set to reshape the way Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (BCP-ALL) samples can be analyzed. Qlucore (Lund, Sweden) has launched the first CE-marked RNA-seq based diagnostic test for pediatric... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.