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Technical References Monolithic Microfluidic Devices

Cyto-Clear Resin Specs:

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Minimum achievable feature sizesdepend on geometry and orientation:

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  • Enclosed channels: down to ~80-100µm in XY

  • Typical enclosed channels: ~150-250µm for robust manufacturability

  • Z-direction (vertical) features generally require larger dimensions (~250-350µm)

  • Helix Coils: ~250µm in XYZ

  • Cross junctions and droplet generator nozzles can be smaller in XY than long channels

  • 3mm chip thickness provides good results

  • Channels should be 150-500µm below the top surface

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Designs near minimum limits require careful drainage and cleaning paths.

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Printable Geometries:

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Cyto-Clear enables monolithic, enclosed microfluidic devices, including:

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  • Straight and serpentine channels, Herringbone mixers and Tesla valves

  • Cross and T-junctions, Droplet generator nozzles

  • Helical and 3D channel routing

  • Enclosed microchannels

  • Integrated inlets, outlets, and manifolds, such as Luer Lock and threads

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Re-entrant features and dead-end cavities must be avoided unless specifically designed for cleaning.

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FAQ

How does the manufacturing process work?

Typical workflow:

  1. Customer provides CAD data or functional requirements

  2. Design is reviewed for printability, drainage, and optical constraints

  3. Design adjustments are proposed if needed

  4. Device is 3D printed, postprocessed and checked

  5. Finished microfluidic device is delivered ready for use

Design rules are enforced early to avoid failed prints.

 

What are typical turnaround times?

Standard Cyto-Clear microfluidic devices can be printed in 4-6 hours, thus, next day shipments are possible if requested. Most projects, however, are ready for shipping within 3-5 business days.

 

What device applications does Cyto-Clear Resin support?

Ideal for direct 3D printed:

  • Lab-on-chip systems

  • Enclosed microfluidic networks

  • Optical detection fluidics

  • Fluorescence microfluidics

  • Cell handling and biological testing where transparency and internal pathways matter

 

How does Cyto-Clear Resin compare to PDMS microfluidic devices?

Cyto-Clear resin advantages:

  • Fully enclosed channels without bonding

  • No layer alignment or plasma treatment

  • Rigid geometry under pressure

  • Complex 3D channel routing

 

PDMS advantages:

  • Elastic deformation

  • Gas permeability

  • Easier surface chemistry modification

 

Cyto-Clear is preferred for robust, complex, pressure-stable devices.

 

Are Cyto-Clear devices optically transparent?

Yes. Cyto-Clear produces optically clear microfluidic devices suitable for brightfield and fluorescence microscopy without polishing or coatings.

Wall thickness and optical path length must be considered during design.

 

Can Cyto-Clear devices be used with fluorescence microscopy?

Yes. Cyto-Clear exhibits low autofluorescence and is compatible with fluorescence-based assays and optical detection.

 

Can surface properties be modified after printing?

Surface chemistry is largely fixed. Plasma treatments and coatings are possible but less flexible than PDMS surface modification.

Applications requiring frequent surface tuning may favour PDMS.

 

Is Cyto-Clear suitable for biological applications?

Cyto-Clear is suitable for short- to medium-term biological experiments, imaging, and assay development. Long-term cell culture requires application-specific validation.
Cyto-Clear prints are intended for laboratory research, engineering evaluation, and prototyping purposes only. It is not intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, medical, or clinical use, and has not been evaluated or approved for such applications.
It is not supplied with system-level validation, regulatory documentation, or safety certification for end-use devices.

 

Is Cyto-Clear intended for prototyping or production?

Cyto-Clear is well suited for rapid prototyping and low- to mid-volume production. It is not optimized for high-volume disposable manufacturing.

 

When should Cyto-Clear NOT be used?

Avoid Cyto-Clear if the device requires:

  • Flexible membranes or valves

  • Gas exchange through channel walls

  • Ultra-thin (<80 µm) enclosed channels

  • Highly tunable surface chemistry

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