Abstract

Fabrication via DLP® Stereolithography and Characterization of Microfluidic Cartridges Suitable for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Charalampos Tzivelekis, PhD Student, Newcastle University

DLP® Stereolithography (SLA) as a high-resolution 3D printing process offers a low-cost alternative for prototyping of polymer microfluidic devices, compared to common fabrication methods. Here, we introduce specific processing routes of DLP® SLA in fabrication of microfluidic devices suitable for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A fabrication protocol for cartridges with monolithic 2.5D micro-channels was evaluated in the production of disposable flow-through and stationary PCR devices. Those were interfaced with purpose-built PCR thermocyclers and evaluated in-situ by amplification of a 75 bp target sequence from a genomic DNA template. PCR inhibition sources were further analyzed with qPCR. Considering the low unit cost per device and the capability to endow further functionality on printed devices through surface modification, we further examined hydrophobic tuning protocols and analysed their performance in-situ. We finally summarize the advantages of DLP SLA and characterize its potential as a future fabrication technique of lab-on-chip devices.