3D-Printed Microfluidic Chip for Real-Time Glucose Monitoring in Liquid Analytes

Abstract

The connection of macrosystems with microsystems for in-line measurements is important in different biotechnological processes as it enables precise and accurate monitoring of process parameters at a small scale, which can provide valuable insights into the process, and ultimately lead to improved process control and optimization. Additionally, it allows continuous monitoring without the need for manual sampling and analysis, leading to more efficient and cost-effective production. In this paper, a 3D printed microfluidic (MF) chip for glucose (Glc) sensing in a liquid analyte is proposed. The chip made in Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) contains integrated serpentine-based micromixers realized via stereolithography with a slot for USB-like integration of commercial DropSens electrodes. After adjusting the sample’s pH in the first micromixer, small volumes of the sample and enzyme are mixed in the second micromixer and lead to a sensing chamber where the Glc concentration is measured via chronoamperometry. The sensing potential was examined for Glc concentrations in acetate buffer in the range of 0.1–100 mg/mL and afterward tested for Glc sensing in a cell culturing medium. The proposed chip showed great potential for connection with macrosystems, such as bioreactors, for direct in-line monitoring of a quality parameter in a liquid sample.

Analysis of Covarine Particle in Toothpaste Through Microfluidic Simulation, Experimental Validation, and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

“…Values from this graph were taken and the mixing index was calculated as it is described in Podunavac et al M I = 1 − ∫ 0 normall normale normaln normalg normalt normalh false| c − c ∞ false| d x ∫ 0 normall normale normaln normalg normalt normalh false| c 0 − c ∞ false| d x where length represents diameter of channel, c represents value from the graph, c represents normalized concentration value of ideal mixed fluids (0.5 in this case), and c 0 represents the normalized concentration value of pure fluid (in this case it is 1). On the figure below a, mixing results through the whole channel and position of observing points (probes).…”

The 3D Printing of Nanocomposites for Wearable Biosensors: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Prospects

“…The application of 3D bioprinting technology has led to the development of glucose biosensors (Figure 8), which can continuously monitor glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. These biosensors, which are printed using additive manufacturing, can be seamlessly integrated into devices and offer a less invasive alternative to traditional methods of monitoring glucose [159][160][161][162][163][164][165]. Nesaei et al introduced an approach for manufacturing glucose biosensors by modifying commercial carbon ink with Prussian blue as an electron transfer mediator and utilizing a custom-made enzyme ink for 3D printing on tattoo paper using the DIW method.…”

Design and Fabrication of a 3D-Printed Microfluidic Immunoarray for Ultrasensitive Multiplexed Protein Detection

“…Some devices use microfluidics to help detect biological molecules, such as glucose or cholesterol. Sometimes known as "microfluidic biosensors", they have been used for applications such as monitoring blood glucose in diabetic patients and detecting food-borne pathogens in food [18][19][20]. Microfluidic devices, especially those utilizing 3D printing, can be designed for decentralized and point-of-care use, such as hospitals, clinics, or homes, not requiring costly equipment or specialized personnel [13,15,21].…”

“…They can be designed to detect low concentrations of analytes with high precision and accuracy. In addition, assay designs can facilitate fast and easy protocols, requiring only small amounts of sample and minimal equipment [19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30].…”