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Low-cost, tape-sealed, PDMS-molded devices using 3D printing for cell adhesion under flow.

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Title: Low-cost, tape-sealed, PDMS-molded devices using 3D printing for cell adhesion under flow.
Authors: Kreznor AF; Kansas State University, Department of Chemistry, Manhattan, KS, USA., Bossmann SH; The University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Kansas City, KS, USA., Culbertson CT; Kansas State University, Department of Chemistry, Manhattan, KS, USA. culbert@ksu.edu.
Source: Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry [Anal Bioanal Chem] 2026 Aug; Vol. 418 (15), pp. 4725-4734. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Feb 06.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Springer-Verlag Country of Publication: Germany NLM ID: 101134327 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1618-2650 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16182642 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Anal Bioanal Chem Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Original Publication: Heidelberg : Springer-Verlag, 2002-
MeSH Terms: Printing, Three-Dimensional*/instrumentation , Printing, Three-Dimensional*/economics , Dimethylpolysiloxanes*/chemistry , Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*/instrumentation , Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*/economics , Cell Adhesion* , Lab-On-A-Chip Devices*, Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Equipment Design
Abstract: Microfluidics offer a useful platform for cell studies by coupling enhanced fluidic control with real-time imaging, but traditional fabrication methods require expensive equipment and advanced training. In this work, the fabrication and implementation of a low-cost and simple-to-use microfluidic device for cell studies were completed using digital light processing resin 3D printing to produce molds for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) devices. Contact angle analysis assessed surface characteristics during fabrication. Tape was used to reversibly seal devices, permitting reuse without damage or adhesion loss. Additionally, tape-sealed devices could withstand an excess of 4 times the internal pressure compared to PDMS devices reversibly sealed on glass. A treatment solution was developed to enable adherent culture of U-87 human glioblastoma cells on the adhesive surface and was confirmed via fluorescence-based viability and morphology monitoring. A miniature incubator, programmable fluidic system, and heating pad were incorporated to maintain conditions for long-term experiments and continuous flow. By employing this unique fabrication method, design prototyping and performance optimization can be rapidly completed for bioanalytical applications of microfluidic-based cell studies. This work provides a foundation, especially for those unfamiliar with microfluidics, to develop microfluidic platforms for cellular analysis using an accessible and less expensive approach.
(© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)
Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no competing interests. Microfluidic diagnostic tape used in this study was donated by the 3M™ Company.
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Grant Information: Graduate Cancer Research Award Johnson Cancer Research Center, Kansas State University; 1940790 National Science Foundation; 2129617 National Science Foundation; 2149481 National Science Foundation; P30CA168524 United States CA NCI NIH HHS
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: 3D printing; Cellular adhesion; Microfluidic; PDMS
Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Dimethylpolysiloxanes)
63148-62-9 (baysilon)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260205 Date Completed: 20260721 Latest Revision: 20260721
Update Code: 20260721
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-026-06360-1
PMID: 41644835
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1618-2650
DOI:10.1007/s00216-026-06360-1