Graphene growth

The development of an high-resolution, multi-material Additive Manufacturing technology for the realization of multi-function 3D microfluidic systems represents a key element for the realization of complex medical micro-devices, tackling the technological challenges in the study of diseases and development of new therapeutic solutions.

 

The research goals are:

• Contribute to the understanding and advancement of different AM technologies (initially focusing on FFF), filling the knowledge gap which currently limits the realization of high-resolution multi-material AM. Understand the material extrusion, deposition and solidification processes, which are the main factors affecting the printing resolution. Study the inter-layer adhesion and bonding, which are responsible for the final mechanical properties of a device and for the sealing of the microfluidic channels. This acquired knowledge will drive the development of new printing strategies that can couple high-resolution with the ability to print at different length scales. This can be achieved by modifying the printer hardware and/or by combining different AM techniques, by optimizing the printing process and by developing new post processing strategies.
• Characterize the performance of 3D microfluidic devices (3D vascular-like systems, tuneable microfluidic channels, scaffolds, multi component microfluidics, mixers, pumps) by studying their fluidic properties (for instance laminar flow or diffusion) and properties necessary to enable their actual use in healthcare applications (i.e. suitability for microscopic imaging, surface functionalization, biocompatibility).
• Explore the use of 3D microfluidic systems and additive manufacturing for healtchare applications.

 

Research leader: Paola Fanzio, Assistant Professor MNE