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Micromachines
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Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices
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Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "B：Biology and Biomedicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 9697

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Qasem Ramadan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
Interests: organ-on-a-chip; lab-on-a-chip; biosensors; microfabrication; microfluidics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past three decades, microfabrication and microfluidic technologies have experienced remarkable advancements and sparked a broad range of applications, including in vitro diagnostics, drug delivery, infectious diseases, and numerous other fields. The fabrication of microfluidic devices has benefited from the well-established semiconductor microfabrication technology for creating planar miniaturized features with unprecedented high-precision and high-throughput capabilities. These “flat” microfluidic devices enable handling of minute amounts of fluids as low as a few picoliters in a network of microchannels and the manipulation of various biochemical reactions at very small volumes. Since its introduction by George Whitesides in 1998, soft lithography, particularly in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), became the dominant fabrication technique for lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. Soft lithography offers a straightforward and efficient process, paving the way for its widespread adoption across academia widespread and research labs. However, these fabrication techniques still lack standards that govern possible mass production. Various emerging fabrication techniques, such as molding, 3D printing, and nanofabrication, have shown promise in overcoming the limitations of traditional soft lithography in terms of versatility, scalability, and the ability to work with a wider range of materials and geometries (e.g., 3D structures).

We are delighted to announce this Special Issue, the aim of which is to showcase the most relevant works in microfluidic/biomedical microdevices fabrication, from state-of-the-art contributions to critical reviews on the topic, which will highlight the new advances in this field. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Dr. Qasem Ramadan
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 short 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 2100 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

  • new fabrication materials
  • fabrication techniques (molding, 3D printing, nanofabrication, hot embossing, etc.)
  • integration
  • sensor integration
  • 3D microfluidics
  • hybrid devices
  • membrane-based microfluidic devices
  • paper-based microfluidic devices
  • fluid handling and automation

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 5684 KiB  
Article
A Versatile and Modular Microfluidic System for Dynamic Cell Culture and Cellular Interactions
by Qasem Ramadan, Rana Hazaymeh and Mohammed Zourob
Micromachines 2025, 16(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16020237 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 742
Abstract
A versatile and modular microfluidic system for cell co-culture has been developed. Microfluidic chips, each featuring dual compartments separated by a porous membrane, have been fabricated and assembled within the system to facilitate fluidic interconnection and cell–cell communication through the chip assembly. A [...] Read more.
A versatile and modular microfluidic system for cell co-culture has been developed. Microfluidic chips, each featuring dual compartments separated by a porous membrane, have been fabricated and assembled within the system to facilitate fluidic interconnection and cell–cell communication through the chip assembly. A set of fluidic valves has been successfully integrated to regulate the flow through the chip assembly. The system allows for chip assembly in various arrangements, including in parallel, in series, and complex connections. Individual chips can be interconnected or disconnected within the system at any time. Moreover, the spatial order and orientation of the chips can be adjusted as needed, enabling the study of different cell–cell arrangements and the impact of the presence or absence of specific cell types. The utility of the system has been evaluated by culturing and interconnecting multi-monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells as a model of the complex cellular system. Epithelial monolayers were grown in multiple chips and interconnected in various configurations. The transepithelial electrical resistance and permeability profiles were investigated in detail for these configurations upon treatment of the cells with dextran sulfate sodium. Immune cells were stimulated through the epithelial layers and the expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected. This miniaturized platform offers controlled conditions for co-culturing key cellular components and assessing potential therapeutic agents in a physiologically relevant setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices)
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24 pages, 10504 KiB  
Article
Design and Investigation of a Passive-Type Microfluidics Micromixer Integrated with an Archimedes Screw for Enhanced Mixing Performance
by Muhammad Waqas, Arvydas Palevicius, Vytautas Jurenas, Kestutis Pilkauskas and Giedrius Janusas
Micromachines 2025, 16(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16010082 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1375
Abstract
In recent years, microfluidics has emerged as an interdisciplinary field, receiving significant attention across various biomedical applications. Achieving a noticeable mixing of biofluids and biochemicals at laminar flow conditions is essential in numerous microfluidics systems. In this research work, a new kind of [...] Read more.
In recent years, microfluidics has emerged as an interdisciplinary field, receiving significant attention across various biomedical applications. Achieving a noticeable mixing of biofluids and biochemicals at laminar flow conditions is essential in numerous microfluidics systems. In this research work, a new kind of micromixer design integrated with an Archimedes screw is designed and investigated using numerical simulation and experimental approaches. First, the geometrical parameters such as screw length (l), screw pitch (p) and gap (s) are optimized using the Design of Expert (DoE) approach and the Central Composite Design (CCD) method. The experimental designs generated by DoE are then numerically simulated aiming to determine Mixing Index (MI) and Performance Index (PI). For this purpose, COMSOL Multiphysics with two physics modules—laminar and transport diluted species—is used. The results revealed a significant influence of screw length, screw pitch and gap on mixing performance. The optimal design achieved is then scaled up and fabricated using a 3D additive manufacturing technique. In addition, the optimal micromixer design is numerically and experimentally investigated at diverse Reynolds numbers, ranging from 2 to 16. The findings revealed the optimal geometrical parameters that produce the best result compared to other designs are a screw length of 0.5 mm, screw pitch of 0.23409 mm and a 0.004 mm gap. The obtained values of the mixing index and the performance index are 98.47% and 20.15 Pa−1, respectively. In addition, a higher mixing performance is achieved at the lower Reynolds number of 2, while a lower mixing performance is observed at the higher Reynolds number of 16. This study can be very beneficial for understanding the impact of geometrical parameters and their interaction with mixing performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices)
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14 pages, 8153 KiB  
Article
Customization of Computed Tomography Radio-Opacity in 3D-Printed Contrast-Injectable Tumor Phantoms
by Yuktesh Kalidindi, Aravinda Krishna Ganapathy, Liam Cunningham, Adriene Lovato, Brian Albers, Anup S. Shetty and David H. Ballard
Micromachines 2024, 15(8), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15080992 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Medical Imaging Phantoms (MIPs) calibrate imaging devices, train medical professionals, and can help procedural planning. Traditional MIPs are costly and limited in customization. Additive manufacturing allows for customizable, patient-specific phantoms. This study examines the CT attenuation characteristics of contrast-injectable, chambered 3D-printed phantoms to [...] Read more.
Medical Imaging Phantoms (MIPs) calibrate imaging devices, train medical professionals, and can help procedural planning. Traditional MIPs are costly and limited in customization. Additive manufacturing allows for customizable, patient-specific phantoms. This study examines the CT attenuation characteristics of contrast-injectable, chambered 3D-printed phantoms to optimize tissue-mimicking capabilities. A MIP was constructed from a CT of a complex pelvic tumor near the iliac bifurcation. A 3D reconstruction of these structures composed of three chambers (aorta, inferior vena cava, tumor) with ports for contrast injection was 3D printed. Desired attenuations were 200 HU (arterial I), 150 HU (venous I), 40 HU (tumor I), 150 HU (arterial II), 90 HU (venous II), and 400 HU (tumor II). Solutions of Optiray 350 and water were injected, and the phantom was scanned on CT. Attenuations were measured using ROIs. Mean attenuation for the six phases was as follows: 37.49 HU for tumor I, 200.50 HU for venous I, 227.92 HU for arterial I, 326.20 HU for tumor II, 91.32 HU for venous II, and 132.08 HU for arterial II. Although the percent differences between observed and goal attenuation were high, the observed relative HU differences between phases were similar to goal HU differences. The observed attenuations reflected the relative concentrations of contrast solutions used, exhibiting a strong positive correlation with contrast concentration. The contrast-injectable tumor phantom exhibited a useful physiologic range of attenuation values, enabling the modification of tissue-mimicking 3D-printed phantoms even after the manufacturing process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices)
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10 pages, 2718 KiB  
Article
Universal and Versatile Magnetic Connectors for Microfluidic Devices
by Maria Alvarez-Amador, Amir Salimov and Eric Brouzes
Micromachines 2024, 15(6), 803; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060803 - 19 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1389
Abstract
World-to-chip interfacing remains a critical issue for microfluidic devices. Current solutions to connect tubing to rigid microfluidic chips remain expensive, laborious, or require specialized skills and precision machining. Here, we report reusable, inexpensive, and easy-to-use connectors that enable monitoring of the connection ports. [...] Read more.
World-to-chip interfacing remains a critical issue for microfluidic devices. Current solutions to connect tubing to rigid microfluidic chips remain expensive, laborious, or require specialized skills and precision machining. Here, we report reusable, inexpensive, and easy-to-use connectors that enable monitoring of the connection ports. Our magnetic connectors benefit from a simple one-step fabrication process and low dead volume. They sustain pressures within the high range of microfluidic applications. They represent an essential tool for rapid thermoplastic (PMMA, PC, COC) prototyping and can also be used with glass, pressure-sensitive adhesive, or thin PDMS devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices)
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Graphical abstract

11 pages, 19740 KiB  
Article
Self-Sustaining Water Microdroplet Resonators Using 3D-Printed Microfluidics
by Parker A. Awerkamp, David Hill, Davin Fish, Kimi Wright, Brandt Bashaw, Gregory P. Nordin and Ryan M. Camacho
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040423 - 22 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1459
Abstract
Microdroplet resonators provide an excellent tool for optical studies of water, but water microdroplets are difficult to maintain outside a carefully controlled environment. We present a method for maintaining a water microdroplet resonator on a 3D-printed hydrophobic surface in an ambient environment. The [...] Read more.
Microdroplet resonators provide an excellent tool for optical studies of water, but water microdroplets are difficult to maintain outside a carefully controlled environment. We present a method for maintaining a water microdroplet resonator on a 3D-printed hydrophobic surface in an ambient environment. The droplet is maintained through a passive microfluidic system that supplies water to the droplet through a vertical channel at a rate equivalent to its evaporation. In this manner, we are able to create and passively maintain water microdroplet resonators with quality factors as high as 3×108. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices)
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11 pages, 3877 KiB  
Communication
Microfabricated Nitinol Stent Retrievers with a Micro-Patterned Surface
by Shogo Kato, Yuzuki Ban, Takashi Ota and Norihisa Miki
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020213 - 31 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2411
Abstract
Stent retrievers are medical devices that are designed to physically remove blood clots from within the blood vessels of the brain. This paper focuses on microfabricated nitinol (nickel–titanium alloy) stent retrievers, which feature micro-patterns on their surface to enhance the effectiveness of mechanical [...] Read more.
Stent retrievers are medical devices that are designed to physically remove blood clots from within the blood vessels of the brain. This paper focuses on microfabricated nitinol (nickel–titanium alloy) stent retrievers, which feature micro-patterns on their surface to enhance the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy. A thick film of nitinol, which was 20 µm in thickness, was sputtered onto a substrate with a micro-patterned surface, using electroplated copper as the sacrificial layer. The nitinol film was released from the substrate and then thermally treated while folded into a cylindrical shape. In vitro experiments with pig blood clots demonstrated that the micro-patterns on the surface improved the efficacy of blood clot retrieval. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends in Microfabrication Techniques for Lab-on-a-Chip and Biomedical Microdevices)
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