Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have
developed a simple, inexpensive solution for fabricating 3D metal microelectrode
arrays (MEAs) and microneedle platforms. Compared to current technologies, the
UCF makerspace technology overcomes issues such as brittleness, high expense, complexity,
and unrepeatable processes. As a result, the invention offers cost- and
time-saving steps to produce microelectrode platforms for multiple biosystem
applications. Examples include lab-on-a-chip devices, disease modeling,
pre-clinical drug discovery, and drug/therapeutic delivery systems. Also, 3D
MEAs configured using the technology performed comparably to conventional 3D
MEAs.
Technical Details
The UCF fabrication technology comprises methods and
techniques for developing microelectrode platforms. Besides enabling faster microfabrication
outside the cleanroom, the makerspace invention also provides a better way to
transition 2D MEA structures to 3D. Microelectrodes are typically machined in
2D and then transitioned by hand to 3D. However, at meso- and micro-scale
levels, the transition process can result in inconsistencies and unwanted variability.
The UCF technology resolves the problem by providing a custom-fabricated
Hypodermic Needle Array (Hypo-Rig) that performs the transition faster and with
greater precision. The array also complements existing microfabrication and
assembly techniques such as laser micromachining and micromilling.
Simple in its design, the technology uses inexpensive
materials (such as printing resin, epoxy and hypodermic needles) and is scalable
for high volume production. In one example use, the Hypo-Rig array successfully
batch-transitioned steel MEA arrays and micromilled microneedle arrays from 1x2
to 19x20 conformation in 2D to a tight, near-vertical grouping in 3D in a
single step. The Hypo-Rig can act as a standalone hollow mesoneedle or
microneedle array for drug delivery applications.
In another example, the research team built a viable
culturing and substrate-agnostic 3D metal MEA platform. The team used micro-stereolithographic
(µSLA) 3D printing, laser micromachining, the Hypo-Rig assembly technique, and
other standard microfabrication processes. In experimental results, the 70µm
microelectrodes demonstrated an impedance of 45.4kOhms at 1 kHz, and the
Hypo-Rig transition enabled a tight Gaussian distribution of 70-degree conversion
angles.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is looking for partners to develop the
technology further for commercialization.
Stage of Development
Prototype available.
Benefit
Cost-effective and scalable for extensive and customizable array configurationsUses inexpensive components and materialsEnables affordable high-volume production of a single arrayConsistency in needle spread allows for more repeatable manufacturingMarket Application
Delivery of agrochemicals to plantsLab-on-a-chip applicationsDisease modelingNeuropharmacological testingCardiotoxicity assessmentPre-clinical drug discoveryHigh throughput phenotypic screening of drug candidatesDrug/therapeutic delivery systemPublications
Facile, Packaging
Substrate-Agnostic, Microfabrication and Assembly of Scalable 3D Metal
Microelectrode Arrays for in Vitro Organ-on-a-Chip and Cellular Disease
Modeling, 2019 20th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors,
Actuators and Microsystems & Eurosensors XXXIII (TRANSDUCERS &
EUROSENSORS XXXIII), Berlin, Germany, 2019, pp. 1686-1689, DOI:
10.1109/TRANSDUCERS.2019.8808364.
Makerspace
microfabrication of a stainless steel 3D microneedle electrode array (3D MEA)
on a glass substrate for simultaneous optical and electrical probing of
electrogenic cells, RSC Adv., 2020,10, 41577-41587, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA06070D.
Development
of in vitro 2D and 3D microelectrode arrays and their role in advancing biomedical
research, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Volume 30, Number
10.
Brochure
