Materials Characterization of Stereolithography 3D Printed Polymer to Develop a Self-Driven Microfluidic Device for Bioanalytical Applications

Abstract

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is a rapid prototyping technique and reproducible manufacturing platform, which makes it a useful tool to develop advanced microfluidic devices for bioanalytical applications. However, limited information exists regarding the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the photocured polymers printed with SLA. This study demonstrates the characterization of a commercially available SLA 3D printed polymer to evaluate the potential presence of any time-dependent changes in material properties that may affect its ability to produce functional, capillary-action microfluidic devices. The printed polymer was analyzed with Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance, contact angle measurements, tensile test, impact test, scanning electron microscopy, and fluid flow analysis. Polymer biocompatibility was assessed with propidium iodide flow cytometry and an MTT assay for cell viability. The material characterization and biocompatibility results were then implemented to design and fabricate a self-driven capillary action microfluidic device for future use as a bioanalytical assay. This study demonstrates temporally stable mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the SLA polymer. However, surface characterization through contact angle measurements shows the polymer’s wettability changes over time which indicates there is a limited postprinting period when the polymer can be used for capillary-based fluid flow. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing SLA as a high-throughput manufacturing method for capillary action microfluidic devices.