High Resolution, Biocompatible 3D Printing for Microfluidic Cell-Based Assays

We demonstrate the use of 3D printing to fabricate high resolution, biocompatible devices for cell-based assays. Specifically, we show effective concentration gradient devices for evaluation of cell response to extracellular concentration gradients of chemical cues (chemotaxis). The concentration gradient region is formed in a channel between chemoattractant source and sink fluid flows. We compare devices designed for off-chip flow generation to devices with integrated on-chip reservoirs, pumps, and valves to generate and control flow. Our comparison shows that integrated devices are as effective as non-integrated devices, and that both are effective for cell chemotaxis studies. Our results open the door to multiplexed 3D printed chemotaxis assays requiring minimal off-chip support.