Fabrication of Three-Dimensional Microvascular Networks for Biomedical Microfluidics

本研究的主要目的是了解由互连微通道（1-300 mm）组成的三维微血管网络的加工科学。实验方法是制造这些网络的机器人控制沉积（RCD）的新的挥发性有机油墨。 所提出的RCD路线依赖于逐层沉积的短效纳米复合有机油墨来创建三维流体路径。 它是一种无模具沉积工艺，其中首先形成网络的独立支架，然后渗透次级（结构）基质相并去除牺牲支架。 这项研究将集中在纳米复合有机油墨的设计和表征，用于三维独立支架结构的RCD，以及跟踪支架网络从沉积到最终固化的二次基质的时间依赖性变形的过程模型。纳米复合材料油墨组合物和流变学以及各种工艺参数（例如，喷嘴直径、沉积速度、挤出压力）对制造过程中形状演变的影响。 最后，我们将针对不同的结构和流动条件，对所制造的三维微血管流体装置的混合性能进行评估，并期望为微流体网络的敏捷制造提供所需的基础知识。 三维微血管网络将为生物医学中的新一代微流体装置提供一个使能平台，用于基因测序、功能基因组学、药物发现、药物基因组学、诊断学、和病原体检测/ID。培训将提供一个研究生在整个项目期间在伊利诺伊大学的跨学科研究小组，促进跨学科的互动教育。学科领域的数量。

The broad objective of this research is to understand the processing science of three-dimensional microvascular networks consisting of interconnected microchannels (1-300 mm). The experimental approach is to fabricate these networks by robotically controlled deposition (RCD) of new fugitive organic inks. The proposed RCD route relies on a layer-by-layer deposition of fugitive nanocomposite organic inks to create three-dimensional fluid paths. It is a mold-less deposition process in which a freestanding scaffold of the network is formed first, followed by infiltration of a secondary (structural) matrix phase and removal of the sacrificial scaffold. This research will focus on the design and characterization of nanocomposite organic inks for use in RCD of three-dimensional freestanding scaffold structures, as well as process models that track the time-dependent deformation of the scaffold network from deposition through final curing of the secondary matrix. The effects of nanocomposite ink composition and rheology as well as various process parameters (e.g., nozzle diameter, deposition speed, extrusion pressure) on shape evolution during fabrication will be studied. Finally, the mixing performance of fabricated 3-D microvascular fluidic devices will be evaluated for a variety of architectures and flow conditions.The proposed research is expected to provide fundamental knowledge needed for agile fabrication of microfluidic networks. Three-dimensional microvascular networks will provide an enabling platform for a new generation of microfluidic devices in biomedicine for applications such as gene sequencing, functional genomics, drug discovery, pharmacogenomics, diagnostics, and pathogen detection/ID. Training will be provided for one graduate student throughout the project period educated in an interdisciplinary research group at the University of Illinois that facilitates interactions across a number of disciplinary fields.