3D printed microfluidics for cell biological applications

Over past decades, microfluidics has been proven to be a valuable tool for cell biological research due to several merits, including size compatibility with cells, controllability with small volume, scalable format, high throughput with automation, and integration. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies have emerged as a potential new modality for simplifying the fabrication of microfluidics. This tool enables exquisite structures and functions that can be used for addressing specific biological questions. Here we try to review the current state of 3D printed microfluidics with capacities of studying cell biology, including biocompatibility, physiological mimicking, and recent development in the biomedical field. Looking back, we discuss current achievements in such systems for cell biology study, the differences, the commonalities, the combinations with bioprinting, and the opportunities for tackling specific problems. The 3D printed microfluidics could be widely adopted by regular biological laboratories, thus expediting the daily grind of cell-based assay and biomedical investigation. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In the past few decades, microfluidics has been proven to be valuable in cell biological research due to its size compatibility, controllability, scalability, high throughput, and integration. Recently, 3D printing technology has emerged as a potential tool for simplifying the fabrication of microfluidics and enabling unique structures and functions for studying cell biology. This review discusses the current state of 3D printed microfluidics, including biocompatibility, physiological mimicking, and recent developments in biomedicine. The adoption of 3D printed microfluidics by biological laboratories can expedite cell-based assays and biomedical investigations.