Microfluidic Actuation via 3D-Printed Molds towardMultiplex Biosensing of Cell Apoptosis

Multiplexed analysis of biochemical analytes such as proteins, enzymes, and immune products using a microfluidic device has the potential to cut assay time, reduce sample volume, realize high-throughput, and decrease experimental error without compromising sensitivity. Despite these huge benefits, the need for expensive specialized equipment and the complex photolithography fabrication process for the multiplexed devices have, to date, prevented widespread adoption of microfluidic systems. Here, we present a simple method to fabricate a new microfluidic-based multiplexed biosensing device by taking advantage of 3D-printing. The device is an integration of normally closed (NC) microfluidic valving units which offer superior operational flexibility by using PDMS membrane (E ∼ 1–2 MPa) and require minimized energy input (1–5 kPa). To systematically engineer the device, we first report on the geometrical and operational analysis of a single 3D-printed valving unit. Based on the characterization, we introduce ...