Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-27-2024
Keywords
3D printing; two-photon lithography; direct laser writing; high-porosity membranes; submicron pore size
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the potential of two-photon lithography (2PL) as a solution to the challenges encountered in conventional membrane fabrication techniques, aiming to fabricate tailor-made membranes with high-resolution submicron pore structures suitable for advanced applications. This approach led to the development of fabrication techniques and printed membranes that can be adapted to various lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices. Membranes were fabricated with pore diameters as small as 0.57 µm and porosities of 4.5%, as well as with larger pores of approximately 3.73 µm in diameter and very high porosities that reached up to 60%. Direct 3D printing of membranes offers a pathway for fabricating structures tailored to specific applications in microfluidics, enabling more efficient separation processes at miniature scales. This research represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between membrane technology and microfluidics, promising enhanced capabilities for a wide array of applications in biotechnology, chemical analysis, and beyond.
Citation
Hoskins, J. K., & Zou, M. (2024). 3D Printing of High-Porosity Membranes with Submicron Pores for Microfluidics. Nanomanufacturing, 4(3), 120-137. https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing4030009
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
