Automated dynamic inlet microfluidics system: 3D printer adaptation for cost-effective, low volume, on-demand multi-analyte droplet generator

• Published in: Lab on a chip Vol. 24; no. 11; pp. 315 - 326
• Main Authors: Zia, Abdul Basit, Farrell, Justin, Foulds, Ian G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 28.05.2024
• Subjects: Adaptation; Combinatorial analysis; Connectors; Cost analysis; Droplets; Fused deposition modeling; Microfluidics
• ISSN: 1473-0197; 1473-0189
• DOI: 10.1039/d4lc00075g

The paper demonstrates an adaptation of a 3D printer (Prusa Mini+) with novel modules to develop a droplet generation system that generates combinatorial droplets from a standard 96 well plate. The calibration methodology developed would allow any fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer to generate monodisperse droplets (coefficient of variance (CV%) < 5%) from well plates or vials of any geometry. The system maintains precision across various volumes while maintaining a C.V. range of 0.81% to 3.61%, with an increased precision for larger volumes. The cost of the system developed is 70% less than commercially available droplet generation packages. Successful droplet library storage is accomplished via 3D printed cartridge connectors. The implemented system has been calibrated for Tygon® and PTFE at different velocities and volumetric configurations. The study shows the modification of a 3D printer to create a cost-effective (70% lower), automated microfluidic system for generating monodisperse droplet libraries from standard well plates. It can create droplet libraries with constant or variable volumes from either single or multiple analytes.