Advancing Modular Microfluidics: Stereolithographic 3D Printing of Reconfigurable Connectors for Bioanalytical Applications.

ABSTRACT: Traditional monolithic microfluidic devices are constrained by their inability to accommodate modifications to circuit elements, necessitating complete redesign and refabrication. To address these limitations, this study introduces modular microfluidic connectors fabricated via stereolithographic (SL) 3D printing. We designed and evaluated three distinct connector types-tessellated, sponge, and solid-walled-using tailored photoresins to enhance reusability, flexibility, and sealing performance. The tessellated connectors, printed with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA, Mw ~258) and incorporating an Octet Unit cell structure, reduced the rigidity of PEGDA prints, improving reusability under moderate conditions. The sponge connectors, fabricated from a PEGDA and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate

SUBMITTER: Zhang HW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12782180 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature