3D-Printed Microfluidic Droplet Generator with Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers.

ABSTRACT: Droplet generation has been widely used in conventional two-dimensional (2D) microfluidic devices, and has recently begun to be explored for 3D-printed droplet generators. A major challenge for 3D-printed devices is preventing water-in-oil droplets from sticking to the interior surfaces of the droplet generator when the device is not made from hydrophobic materials. In this study, two approaches were investigated and shown to successfully form droplets in 3D-printed microfluidic devices. First, several printing resin candidates were tested to evaluate their suitability for droplet formation and material properties. We determined that a hexanediol diacrylate/lauryl acrylate (HDDA/LA) resin forms a solid polymer that is sufficiently hydrophobic to prevent aqueous droplets (in a continuous oi

SUBMITTER: Warr CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7830873 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature