Emerging Anti-Fouling Methods: Towards Reusability of 3D-Printed Devices for Biomedical Applications.

摘要: Microfluidic devices are used in a myriad of biomedical applications such as cancer screening, drug testing, and point-of-care diagnostics. Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers low-cost, rapid prototyping, efficient fabrication method, compared to the costly—in terms time, labor, resources—traditional method soft lithography poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Various 3D methods applicable, including fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, photopolymer inkjet printing. Additionally, several materials available that have low-viscosity their raw form and, after curing, exhibit high material strength, optical transparency, biocompatibility. These features make 3D-printed microfluidic chips ideal for applications. However, developing capable long-term use, fouling—by nonspecific protein absorption bacterial adhesion due intrinsic hydrophobicity most materials—presents barrier reusability. For this reason, there is growing interest anti-fouling materials. Traditional emerging approaches presented regard applicability chips, with particular compatible chips.