3D printing enables fast and relatively easy fabrication of various microfluidic structures including microvalves. A check microvalve is the simplest valve enabling control of the fluid flow in microchannels. Proper operation of the check valve is ensured by a movable element that tightens the valve seat during backward flow and enables free flow for forward pressure. Thus, knowledge of the mechanical properties of the movable element is crucial for optimal design and operation of the valve. In this paper, we present for the first time the results of investigations on basic mechanical properties of the building material used in multijet 3D printing. Specified mechanical properties were used in the design and fabrication of two types of check microvalve—with deflecting or hinge-fixed microflap—with 200 µ m and 300 µ m thickness. Results of numerical simulation and experimental data of the microflap deflection were obtained and compared. The valves were successfully 3D printed and characterised. Opening/closing characteristics of the microvalve for forward and backward pressures were determined. Thus, proper operation of the check microvalve so developed was confirmed.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a powerful tool that enables the printing of almost unlimited geometry in a few hours, from a virtual design to a real structure. In this paper, we present a micro-electromechanical energy harvester that utilized a 3D printed micromechanical structure combined with a miniature permanent magnet and a microelectronic coil towards a hybrid electromagnetic vibrational hybrid energy harvester. Various micromechanical structure geometries were designed, printed, and tested. The characteristic dimensions of the springs were from 200 μm to 400 μm and the total volume of the devices was below 1 cm³. The resonant frequencies (95–340 Hz range), as well as bandwidths (6–23 Hz range), for the developed prototypes were determined. The maximal generated output power was almost 24 μW with a power density up to almost 600 μW/cm³.

This paper presents a full-featured microfluidic platform ensuring long-term culturing and behavioral analysis of the radically different biological micro-objects. The platform uses all-glass lab-chips and MEMS-based components providing dedicated micro-aquatic habitats for the cells, as well as their intentional disturbances on-chip. Specially developed software was implemented to characterize the micro-objects metrologically in terms of population growth and cells’ size, shape, or migration activity. To date, the platform has been successfully applied for the culturing of freshwater microorganisms, fungi, cancer cells, and animal oocytes, showing their notable population growth, high mobility, and taxis mechanisms. For instance, circa 100% expansion of porcine oocytes cells, as well as nearly five-fold increase in E. gracilis population, has been achieved. These results are a good base to conduct further research on the platform versatile applications.

In this paper we present a 3D printed flow meter based on venturri effect. Dimensions of the microchannels are 800 µm for wider and 400 µm for thinker channel. Application of different type of sensors was investigated: differential, absolute and digital barometer. Results of measurement of differential pressure and calculation of liquid flow are shown. Presented microfluidics device can be also easy adapted for modular systems. Presented flow meter is the first integration of commercial available sensors and 3D printed microfluidics structure in a single chip.

Concept of modular microfluidics combined with fabrication of the modules by 3D printing is an alternative to traditional monolithic form of the chips and microfabrication techniques of microfluidic circuits. Here we propose the modular configuration of the chip for gel electrophoresis of genetic material. The microfludic device is assembled from discrete inkjet 3D printed modules dedicated to a specific function of the chip (i.e. sample introduction/injection, separation and optical detection). Thus, theoretically the separation microchannel could be extended to an almost unlimited length. Moreover, thanks to the modularity of the separation chip, it is possible to transfer a brick with a sample between different configurations of the microfluidic circuits to perform another analysis of the sample. Proof-of-principle tests of the modular configuration and sample transfer were carried out with DNA ladder samples.

Mechanical properties of cells are indicators of biological potential, quality and presumptive pathological status. Mammalian oocytes are particularly important cells from the point of view of testing their fertilizing potential and performing in vitro fertilization. However, only occasionally are their mechanical parameters measured. A new method for deformation measurement of in vitro -matured porcine oocytes has been developed and presented in this study. The method was used for multiparametric characterization of gametes using a MEMS-type microcytometer and a new methodology for determining cell deformability. The novel chip design, principle of operation, and fabrication processes are described in the study. Using original analysis of microscopic images with the usage of dedicated software and data analysis algorithms, deformation parameters were determined. Results indicate the relationships between parameters under the influence of cell compression and show that the behaviour of oocytes during measurements depends on the morphological quality of the cumulus-oocyte complexes they originated from.