3D Printed Devices for the Separation of Blood Plasma from Capillary Samples

Giulia Deiana*, Stewart Smith

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Sample preparation is a critical requirement for many clinical tests and diagnostic procedures, but it is difficult to perform on a lab-on-a-chip platform. The analytical side of microfluidic technologies has been gradually catching up with laboratory methods in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and reliability. There is a growing need for the development of sample preparation modules that can either be connected or embedded into such devices and extract blood plasma in a fast, safe, and automated way. Achieving this functionality is an important step towards creating commercially viable products that can one day become part of everyday life. In this study, a range of simple, yet effective, 3D printed sample preparation devices was developed. The devices rely on snap-fit mechanisms and "resin-bonding" methods to fasten two layers and integrate a plasma separation membrane in between. The devices have excellent usability, with only one step required for their operation without any waiting time for the user, and could extract an average of 56.88% of the total available plasma from 50 μL capillary blood samples in 87 s without inducing any haemolysis. The manufacturing process is quick and straightforward, requiring only low-cost equipment and minimal training. The devices can either be used as a stand-alone device or integrated into an existing lab-on-a-chip system to provide blood filtration capabilities.

Original languageEnglish
Article number359
Number of pages14
JournalMicromachines
Volume15
Issue number3
Early online date29 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2024

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • 3D printing
  • cell separation
  • microfiltration
  • point of care testing
  • sample preparation

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