Microfluidic chip fabrication and performance analysis of 3D printed material for use in microfluidic nucleic acid amplification applications

Abstract Additive manufacturing for microfluidics shows potential to boost research and development in biology molecular diagnostics. This paper reports on novel process material optimisation techniques the creation of a monolithic microfluidic chip geometry polymerase chain reaction (PCR) thermocycling using stereolithography (SLA). A two-stage printing protocol with projection SLA is assessed disposable oscillating-flow cartridges PCR. Print performance was characterized terms critical channel dimensions surface quality. Post-treatment ultraviolet light solvent washes shown reduce PCR inhibiting residuals facilitate reaction, indicating compatibility fluidic milli-fluidic architectures. Residuals leaching from polymer were via quantitative that interact enzyme activity. Passivation surfaces polyethylene glycol silane static coating reduced interface improving overall efficiency. The discussed protocols can serve as low-cost alternative clean-room micromachined prototypes various concepts.