Fig. 2
From: Development of a flexible 3D printed TPU-PVC microfluidic devices for organ-on-a-chip applications
Conceptual design and features of the 3D-FlexTPU-MFD. (a) Detailed design of the cell culture chambers: (i) 3D perspective view showing multiple chambers, inlet and outlet ports. (ii) Top view and side view of the chamber dimensions. The main chamber has a width of 2 mm and a length of 10 mm, with outlet and inlet segments measuring 8 mm and 4 mm. The side view shows chamber height of 1.5 mm and overall device thickness of 3.5 mm. (b) Fabrication process of the 3D-FlexTPU-MFD: (i) Deposition of TPU polymer onto PVC sheets, followed by sequential 3D printing of microfluidic channels, inlet, and outlet reservoirs. (ii) Assembly by overlaying PVC covers onto the printed channels. (iii) Final device preparation by trimming the edges. (c) (i) A photograph of the fully assembled 3D-FlexTPU-MFD. (ii) A demonstration of the device’s flexibility through repeated manual twisting. (iii) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showing a cross-section of the device, including the cell chamber and inlet bonded to the PVC substrate. Scale bar: 1000 μm.
