Modular micropumps fabricated by 3D printed technologies for polymeric microfluidic device applications

The fabrication of new self-powered micropumps by 3D-printing techniques (3Dp-μPumps) and its integration on portable microfluidic devices. [Display omitted] •Modular polymeric micropumps were fabricated by 3D printing.•3D printed micropumps could be assembled with any type of microfluidic device.•Different flow rates were obtained depending on the pump material and surface area.•Direct assembly pump-cartridge was achieved thanks to 3D printing manufacturing.•Autonomous colorimetric test for starch detection was performed with the micropumps. In order to facilitate the implementation of microfluidic technology for rapid point-of-care analysis, there is a demand for self-powered microfluidics. The modular architecture of degas driven plug-and-play polymeric micropumps and microfluidic cartridges arose during last decade as a powerful strategy for autonomous flow control. So far, reported polymeric micropumps were made of poly-dimethyl siloxane and were fabricated by casting. In this work, we showed that the advantages of three-dimensional printing can greatly benefit the development of modular micropumps. In addition, micropumps were created with a geometry that cannot be manufactured with conventional techniques, making it easily assemblable to microfluidic devices. Four types of polymeric resins and three printing methods were used to create a set of functional micropumps. It was shown that the material and the design of the printed micropumps were related to their power, making them tuneable and programmable. Finally, as proof of concept, a self-powered colorimetric test for the detection of starch was demonstrated. Three-dimensional printed micropumps emerge as an innovative element in the field of self-powered microfluidics, which may be the key to develop integrated microsystems for several applications such as in rapid point-of-care analysis.