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D. Sticker, M. Rothbauer, S. Lechner, M. Hehenberger, P. Ertl:
"Multi-layered, membrane-integrated microfluidics based on replica molding of a thiol-ene epoxy thermoset for organ-on-a-chip applications";
Lab on a Chip, 15 (2015), 24; 4542 - 4554.

In this study we have investigated a photosensitive thermoset (OSTEMER 322-40) as a complementary
material to readily fabricate complex multi-layered microdevices for applications in life science. Simple,
versatile and robust fabrication of multifunctional microfluidics is becoming increasingly important for
the development of customized tissue-, organ- and body-on-a-chip systems capable of mimicking tissue
interfaces and biological barriers. In the present work key material properties including optical properties,
vapor permeability, hydrophilicity and biocompatibility are evaluated for cell-based assays using fibroblasts,
endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells. The excellent bonding strength of the OSTEMER thermoset
to flexible fluoropolymer (FEP) sheets and polyIJdimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) membranes further allows for the
fabrication of integrated microfluidic components such as membrane-based microdegassers, microvalves
and micropumps. We demonstrate the application of multi-layered, membrane-integrated microdevices
that consist of up to seven layers and three membranes that specially confine and separate vascular cells
from the epithelial barrier and 3D tissue structures.