Microfluidics in the air

The new technique, which the authors from the University of Twente (the Netherlands) called "microfluidics in the air" (in-air microfluidics), allows you to print three-dimensional structures with living cells.

Microfluidics (microhydrodynamics) is a science dedicated to the study of the movement of small volumes of liquid ranging in size from 1 micron to 1 mm. Most often, microchips with thin channels for micro-fluid flows, microreactors and other systems are used for this. These chips open up a lot of possibilities, but their speed is not high enough: filling a volume equal to one cubic centimeter takes place within 17 hours. The new technique presented by the authors allows you to do this in a couple of minutes.

The acceleration of the process became possible as a result of the use of two fluid flows: drops from one jet "shoot" into the second. This not only increases the speed: the use of two streams allows you to choose two types of fluid, as a result of the interaction of which you can get the desired result in the form of creating building blocks in one step.

The two-jet method allows you to fix living cells inside a 3D-printed material and create living building blocks capable of repairing damaged body tissue. Externally, they are a sponge of living cells and liquid.

Most three-dimensional printing methods are based on the use of high temperature or ultraviolet radiation. Both of these factors can damage living cells in the composition of the sponge being created, so the microfluidic approach is the best option and a promising method of tissue engineering.

Article by Claas Willem Visser et al. In-air microfluidics enables rapid fabrication of emulsion, suspension and 3D modular (bio)materials published in the journal Science Advances.

Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of the University of Twente: 3D printing of living cells.