3D printing improves systems for microfluidics

Printed high precision 3D printing improves systems for microfluidics

2024-12-13 Source: Uni Heidelberg | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

Related Vendors

The Core Facility Microfluidics at the University of Heidelberg successfully uses the 3D printing technology of Projection Micro Stereolithography ("PµSL") from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF).

Here, one looks at so-called UH-100 meshes. The component was manufactured with a BMF printer at the University of Heidelberg. The chosen printer was the only one that could meet the requirements. Here are a few words from Heidelberg ...(Image: BMF) — Here, one looks at so-called UH-100 meshes. The component was manufactured with a BMF printer at the University of Heidelberg. The chosen printer was the only one that could meet the requirements. Here are a few words from Heidelberg ...
(Image: BMF)

Demanding research projects are supported with microcomponents such as the smallest titer plates, various microfluidic devices, and "organs on a chip," as researchers from the University of Heidelberg (Germany) explain. In 2022, the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials ("IMSEAM") was established there, which develops new materials, methods, and techniques from synthetic and natural building blocks on a molecular level. The Microfluidics Core Facility ("µFlu CF") aims to support all interested research groups with contributions to project design, the production of microfluidic chips, and experiments in biosafety labs. From May 2022, instruments for the production and analysis of microfluidic chips were acquired, including a micro 3D printer.

A printer from BMF was able to meet the requirements

After an extensive market research, a typical design was selected and sent to several providers. The challenge was to print narrow channels with the smoothest possible walls to prevent turbulence later on, it is further stated. As it turned out, only BMF was able to perfectly produce the sample part. The company developed projection micro-stereolithography to achieve the right resolution and precision for microfabrication. Consequently, the Heidelberg team decided on the Microarch S140 3D printer from BMF, a desktop model with a resolution capability of 10 micrometers, as emphasized. Since September 2023, the Microarch S140 has been working around the clock—only interrupted by a Christmas break. In addition to resin, the experts would also like to process elastic materials additively in the future—such as for a synthetic lung as an "organ on a chip," as it is concluded.

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta)

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.