Inkjet 3D printed microfluidic device for growing seed root and stalk mechanical characterization

• Published in: Sensors and actuators. A. Physical. 2019-10, Vol.297, p.111557, Article 111557
• Main Authors: Walczak, Rafał, Kawa, Bartosz, Adamski, Krzysztof
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printers; 3D printing; Ink jet printing; Mechanical properties; MEMS; Microbeams; Microfluidic devices; Microfluidics; Microsystem; Seeds; Three dimensional printing
• ISSN: 0924-4247; 1873-3069
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2019.111557

[Display omitted] •We presented for the first time inkjet 3D printed microfluidic device with integrated force sensors to determine root and stalk growth force.•Mechanical characterization of the inkjet 3D printed microcantilevers was done.•Significant influence of the microstructures printing orientation and storage conditions (dry or wet) on tip displacement versus applied force was noticed. The 3D printing of microdevices is an emerging technique that has recently been widely reported as a new tool for developing microfluidics. Here we present for the first time an inkjet 3D-printed microfluidic device with integrated force sensors for monitoring seed growth and determining axial growth forces of the germinating seed’s root and stalk. The growth of Lepidum sativum seeds was successfully observed in the developed device. Determining the growth forces was possible thanks to knowledge of the mechanical properties of the integrated microbeams (force-deflection characteristics). The maximal growth forces were 58 mN for the root (corresponding to 0.32 MPa growth pressure) and 501 mN for the stalk.