Low-Cost Microfluidic Device Fabrication by DLP 3D Printing
摘要
The development of low-cost microfluidic devices has gained increasing attention due to their potential applications in biomedical research and educational environments. In this work, we present a methodology for the fabrication of microfluidic chips using Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing technology with resin. This technique allows for the creation of both surface and embedded channels, enabling the production of single-piece devices and more complex three-dimensional structures. The chips were designed using CAD software and sliced with optimized parameters to minimize channel obstruction. Configurations using PVC adhesive films for surface sealing were also evaluated. Results demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing functional microfluidic chips with channels as small as 100 μm, a smooth surface, and the capability of supporting both capillary flow and active pumping. The low production cost and short printing times allow the simultaneous fabrication of multiple units, making this approach a promising solution for rapid prototyping and customized designs in resource-limited settings.