Advancing 3D printed microfluidics with computational methods for sweat analysis

Ece E., Ölmez K., Hacıosmanoğlu N., Atabay M., Inci F.

Microchimica Acta, cilt.191, sa.3, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 191 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00604-024-06231-5
  • Dergi Adı: Microchimica Acta
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Analytical Abstracts, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: 3D printing, Biosensor, Density functional theory, Microfluidic chips, Sweat analysis
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

The intricate tapestry of biomarkers, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vesicles, and nucleic acids within sweat, exhibits a profound correlation with the ones in the bloodstream. The facile extraction of samples from sweat glands has recently positioned sweat sampling at the forefront of non-invasive health monitoring and diagnostics. While extant platforms for sweat analysis exist, the imperative for portability, cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacture, and expeditious turnaround underscores the necessity for parameters that transcend conventional considerations. In this regard, 3D printed microfluidic devices emerge as promising systems, offering a harmonious fusion of attributes such as multifunctional integration, flexibility, biocompatibility, a controlled closed environment, and a minimal requisite analyte volume—features that leverage their prominence in the realm of sweat analysis. However, formidable challenges, including high throughput demands, chemical interactions intrinsic to the printing materials, size constraints, and durability concerns, beset the landscape of 3D printed microfluidic devices. Within this paradigm, we expound upon the foundational aspects of 3D printed microfluidic devices and proffer a distinctive perspective by delving into the computational study of printing materials utilizing density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) methodologies. This multifaceted approach serves manifold purposes: (i) understanding the complexity of microfluidic systems, (ii) facilitating comprehensive analyses, (iii) saving both cost and time, (iv) improving design optimization, and (v) augmenting resolution. In a nutshell, the allure of 3D printing lies in its capacity for affordable and expeditious production, offering seamless integration of diverse components into microfluidic devices—a testament to their inherent utility in the domain of sweat analysis. The synergistic fusion of computational assessment methodologies with materials science not only optimizes analysis and production processes, but also expedites their widespread accessibility, ensuring continuous biomarker monitoring from sweat for end-users. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.)