Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is a rapid prototyping
technique
and reproducible manufacturing platform, which makes it a useful tool
to develop advanced microfluidic devices for bioanalytical applications.
However, limited information exists regarding the physical, chemical,
and biological properties of the photocured polymers printed with
SLA. This study demonstrates the characterization of a commercially
available SLA 3D printed polymer to evaluate the potential presence
of any time-dependent changes in material properties that may affect
its ability to produce functional, capillary-action microfluidic devices.
The printed polymer was analyzed with Fourier transform infrared–attenuated
total reflectance, contact angle measurements, tensile test, impact
test, scanning electron microscopy, and fluid flow analysis. Polymer
biocompatibility was assessed with propidium iodide flow cytometry
and an MTT assay for cell viability. The material characterization
and biocompatibility results were then implemented to design and fabricate
a self-driven capillary action microfluidic device for future use
as a bioanalytical assay. This study demonstrates temporally stable
mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the SLA polymer. However,
surface characterization through contact angle measurements shows
the polymer’s wettability changes over time which indicates
there is a limited postprinting period when the polymer can be used
for capillary-based fluid flow. Overall, this study demonstrates the
feasibility of implementing SLA as a high-throughput manufacturing
method for capillary action microfluidic devices.