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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2015 Sep 10.
Published in final edited form as: Lab Chip. 2013 Mar 25;13(10):1902–1910. doi: 10.1039/c3lc41372a

TABLE 1.

Comparison among different biopatterning processes including MI-printing system

Patterning
techniques		 Advantages Disadvantages
Photolithography

  1. High lithographic resolution (down to submicrometer)

  2. Precise positioning and alignment

  1. Non-biocompatible process (UV exposure and chemical treatment)

  2. Required high-maintenance cleanroom environment
Screening printing

  1. Simple operation process

  2. Ultrahigh throughput

  3. Large scale printing capacity

  1. Limited positioning precision

  2. Fabrication complexity of the stencils

  3. Potential cross-contamination caused by the contact nature
Inkjet printing

  1. Non-contact nature

  2. No cross-contamination

  3. Ultrahigh throughput

  4. Automatic process

  1. Non-biocompatible process (for thermal expansion)

  2. Limited integratability with customized cartridges (for piezoelectric drive)

  3. Limited cartridge capacity (3 or 4 inks)

  4. Required large volume fluid injection (milliliters)
Microfluidic impact printing

  1. No cross-contamination

  2. Self-alignment

  3. Sub-microliter loading with a minimal dead volume

  4. Handling of complex media

  5. Extensive multiplexability (up to 24 inks)

  6. Biocompatible operations without chemical and thermal treatment

  7. Interchangeable/disposable microfluidic cartridge design

  8. High-throughput printing (up to 200 Hz)

  9. Simple fabrication, assembly, and configuration

  10. Low cost