Directed assembly of three-dimensional microvascular networks

Three-dimensional (3-D) microvascular networks with pervasive, interconnected channels less than 300 microns in diameter may find widespread application in microfluidic devices, biotechnology, sensors, and autonomic healing materials. Although microchannel arrays are readily constructed in two-dimensions by photolithographic or soft lithographic techniques, their construction in three-dimensions remains a challenging problem. The development of a microfabrication method to build 3-D microvascular networks based on direct-write assembly is described is this thesis. The method is based on the robotic deposition of a fugitive organic ink to form a free-standing scaffold structure. Secondary infiltration of a structural resin followed by setting of the matrix and removal of the scaffold yields an embedded pervasive network of smooth cylindrical channels (~ 10500 microns) with defined connectivity. (Therriault, PhD thesis, UIUC)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Direct-write assembly
• microfabrication
• microvascular networks