Figure 29.

Three-dimensional printed microfluidic platform and simulation of fluid dynamics. (a) 3D printed lab-on-a-chip platform with inlets (1), zigzag-shaped microfluidics channel (2), cell chamber (3), ramp (4), overflow block (5), and outlet (6). (b) View onto the microfluidic zigzag-shaped channel of an incompletely printed chip. (c) Outlet for connection with drainage tubing. (d) Top view of the cell chamber, surrounded by a backflow stop to support an outward-directed, unidirectional flow of perfused solution. (e) Bottom view of the cell culture chamber through a glass window, mounted with a biocompatible silicone elastomer. (f) 3D printed lab-on-a-chip platform with connected tubing for functional imaging using a high-content microscope. (g) Dimensions of the zigzag-shaped microchannel for generation of homogeneous mixtures, integrating a “Y” junction, with w, the width of the zigzag channel and s, the linear length of the periodic step. False-color representation of simulated fluid dynamics within the platform for two different solutions, “solution A” (blue) and “solution B” (red). The green color inside the cell chamber indicates a mixing ration of approximately 0.5, and thus demonstrates homogeneous distribution of efficiently mixed solutions. Reprinted from an open-access source [102].