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Micromachines
Special Issues
Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication
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Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "D：Materials and Processing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 4972

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marco Carlotti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
Interests: organic electronics; microfabrication; direct laser writing; molecular electronics; conjugated materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is my pleasure to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue of Micromachines focused entitled “Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication”.

In the recent decades, the rapid development of innovative micro-(nano-)fabrication techniques and materials has allowed the design of unprecedented functional three-dimensional microdevices which synergically combine an impressive resolution and innovative functionalities.

As a result, has this sparked an ever-growing interest in microfabrication technologies that can overcome the limitations of the 2D approaches performed with standard lithographic techniques and that can inspire novel applications in several interdisciplinary fields, such as MEMS, photonics, microfluidics, and clinical applications.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together several prominent experts in the field of 3D-microfabrication to cover their latest research and share their views on the challenges and opportunities related to this field. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the development of responsive materials and formulations, the design of novel functional architectures, bioinspired solutions, innovative manufacturing approaches, the development of new fabrication techniques, smart sensing devices, MEMS, and fundamental aspects of 3D-microfabrication.

In the light of your interesting work in this area, we are delighted to invite you and your colleagues to submit a manuscript in the form of a research article, communication, or review paper.

Micromachines (IF 3.523) is a peer-reviewed, fully open access journal focused on providing a platform for the dissemination of studies concerning micro- and nano-systems from multiple perspectives. Manuscripts for this Special Issue will be judged using the same high standards as for regular submissions and will only be considered for publication if they meet the editorial selection criteria and pass the peer-review process.

The editorial team at Micromachines and I hope that you accept this invitation. We look forward to receiving your positive response and your contribution.

Dr. Marco Carlotti
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • microfabrication
  • MEMS
  • 3D-printing
  • direct laser writing
  • lab-on-a-chip
  • microfluidics
  • microstereolithography
  • rapid prototyping
  • microsensors

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4210 KiB  
Article
Design, Simulation and Multi-Objective Optimization of a Micro-Scale Gearbox for a Novel Rotary Peristaltic Pump
by Nikolaos Rogkas, Matthaios Pelekis, Alexandros Manios, Alexandros Anastasiadis, Georgios Vasileiou, Achilleas Tsoukalis, Christos Manopoulos and Vasilios Spitas
Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112099 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534
Abstract
Peristaltic pumps are widely used in biomedical applications to ensure the safe flow of sterile or medical fluids. They are commonly employed for drug injections, IV fluids, and blood separation (apheresis). These pumps operate through a progressive contraction or expansion along a flexible [...] Read more.
Peristaltic pumps are widely used in biomedical applications to ensure the safe flow of sterile or medical fluids. They are commonly employed for drug injections, IV fluids, and blood separation (apheresis). These pumps operate through a progressive contraction or expansion along a flexible tube, enabling fluid flow. They are also utilized in industrial applications for sanitary fluid transport, corrosive fluid handling, and novel pharmacological delivery systems. This research provides valuable insights into the selection and optimal design of the powertrain stages for peristaltic pumps implemented in drug delivery systems. The focus of this paper lies in the simulation and optimization of the performance of a power transmission gearbox by examining the energy consumption, sound levels, reliability, and volume as output metrics. The components of the powertrain consist of a helical gear pair for the first stage, a bevel gear pair for the second one, and finally a planetary transmission. Through extensive simulations, the model exhibits promising results, achieving an efficiency of up to 90%. Furthermore, alternative configurations were investigated to optimize the overall performance of the powertrain. This process has been simulated by employing the KISSsoft/KISSsys software package. The findings of this investigation contribute to advancements in the field of biomedical engineering and hold significant potential for improving the efficiency, reliability, and performance of drug delivery mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication)
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18 pages, 3490 KiB  
Article
Scalable Processing of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Microfluidic Biochips
by Rodolfo G. Rodrigues, Pedro G. M. Condelipes, Rafaela R. Rosa, Virginia Chu and João Pedro Conde
Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101837 - 27 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1269
Abstract
Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small [...] Read more.
Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small molecules, the low stiffness, relatively high cost, and the difficulty of scaling up the fabrication process for industrial production, creating a need for alternative materials. One option is the use of stiffer thermoplastics, such as the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), which can be mass produced, have lower cost and possess excellent properties. In this work, a method to fabricate COC microfluidic structures was developed. The work was divided into process optimization and evaluation of material properties for application in microfluidics. In the processing step, moulding, sealing, and liquid handling aspects were developed and optimized. The resulting COC devices were evaluated from the point of view of molecular diffusion, burst pressure, temperature resistance, and susceptibility to surface treatments and these results were compared to PDMS devices. Lastly, a target DNA hybridization assay was performed showing the potential of the COC-based microfluidic device to be used in biosensing and Lab-on-a-Chip applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication)
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Review

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35 pages, 5321 KiB  
Review
Evolution of the Microrobots: Stimuli-Responsive Materials and Additive Manufacturing Technologies Turn Small Structures into Microscale Robots
by Frank Marco den Hoed, Marco Carlotti, Stefano Palagi, Patrizio Raffa and Virgilio Mattoli
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020275 - 15 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1638
Abstract
The development of functional microsystems and microrobots that have characterized the last decade is the result of a synergistic and effective interaction between the progress of fabrication techniques and the increased availability of smart and responsive materials to be employed in the latter. [...] Read more.
The development of functional microsystems and microrobots that have characterized the last decade is the result of a synergistic and effective interaction between the progress of fabrication techniques and the increased availability of smart and responsive materials to be employed in the latter. Functional structures on the microscale have been relevant for a vast plethora of technologies that find application in different sectors including automotive, sensing devices, and consumer electronics, but are now also entering medical clinics. Working on or inside the human body requires increasing complexity and functionality on an ever-smaller scale, which is becoming possible as a result of emerging technology and smart materials over the past decades. In recent years, additive manufacturing has risen to the forefront of this evolution as the most prominent method to fabricate complex 3D structures. In this review, we discuss the rapid 3D manufacturing techniques that have emerged and how they have enabled a great leap in microrobotic applications. The arrival of smart materials with inherent functionalities has propelled microrobots to great complexity and complex applications. We focus on which materials are important for actuation and what the possibilities are for supplying the required energy. Furthermore, we provide an updated view of a new generation of microrobots in terms of both materials and fabrication technology. While two-photon lithography may be the state-of-the-art technology at the moment, in terms of resolution and design freedom, new methods such as two-step are on the horizon. In the more distant future, innovations like molecular motors could make microscale robots redundant and bring about nanofabrication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication)
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