Testing of Beeswax Printing Technology in the Design of a Paper-Based Microfluidic System

Abstract

The development of additive manufacturing technologies has the advantage of producing more economical and efficient products. This trend is supported by the fact that this technology is extensively developed, so that it has easy platforms to use, vast applications, and is more economically affordable than it was when it was first created in the early 90s. Currently, this technology is also widely applied in the bioengineering field to produce so called micro-scale products. In this study, a beeswax printer was developed by modifying a universal 3D printer to apply beeswax as a microchannel part on paper. Ultimately, this application shall be used for paper lab-on-a-chip (LOC) that enables us to perform specific functions, such as biological detection. However, a thorough study is needed to understand the limitations of this beeswax printer, along with the characterization of its product. Here, an experiment was conducted to find the optimum conditions of the system with two main parameters, namely the heating characteristics and flowability of the molten beeswax during the printing process. Additionally, an analytical model was also developed to validate the phenomena of this advanced printing media. Briefly, the beeswax printer allowed us to have a fine profile in the range of 0.5-2.0 mm wide and 30-150 µm thick. This research allowed us to find the desired profile of printed beeswax.

Development of Sweat and Saliva Glucose Sensors as Alternative for Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring

“…Paraffin droplets that accidentally dropped into the sample reservoir could also reduce the accuracy of the glucose sensor. Therefore, it is more advisable to use a more guaranteed method in terms of shape and print results, such as wax printing or beeswax printing which are useful for biological detection (Nunut et al, 2020).…”

A cost-effective and facile technique for realizing fabric based microfluidic channels using beeswax and PVC stencils

“…36 In a study conducted by Immanuel Nunut et al , the use of beeswax in printing technology for fabricating a paper-based microfluidic system was investigated. 37 The researchers extensively tested the fabricated channel by printing beeswax and verifying that it effectively penetrated the paper material, preventing the fluid from spreading out and ensuring controlled flow inside the channel. Their comprehensive testing confirmed the suitability of beeswax for creating functional microfluidic channels in paper-based devices.…”

Realization of Beeswax-based Fabric Microfluidic Channels using PVC Clear Sheet Stencils

“…In a study by MaríaDíaz-Gonzalez et al, the fabrication of bio-functionalized micro uidic structures was achieved through the use of low-temperature wax bonding, highlighting the potential of beeswax in this eld [29]. In a study conducted by Immanuel Nunut et al, the use of beeswax in printing technology for fabricating a paperbased micro uidic system was investigated [30]. The researchers extensively tested the fabricated channel by printing beeswax and verifying that it effectively penetrated the paper material, preventing the uid from spreading out and ensuring controlled ow inside the channel.…”