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At the Frontier of Biomedical Innovation: How ELEGOO 3D Printers Empowered Microfluidic Research at Juncker Lab

At the Frontier of Biomedical Innovation: How ELEGOO 3D Printers Empowered Microfluidic Research at Juncker Lab

At the Frontier of Biomedical Innovation: How ELEGOO 3D Printers Empowered Microfluidic Research at Juncker Lab

In the rapidly advancing field of biomedical research, rapid prototyping and accessible fabrication methods are essential to accelerating discovery and innovation. As part of their recent efforts, Juncker Lab, known for its work in microfluidics, biosensors, and bioanalytical technologies, continues its mission to advance biomedical research through innovative engineering approaches. This year, Juncker Lab took a bold step forward by integrating ELEGOO 3D printers, including the Saturn 3 Ultra, Mars 4, and Mars 4 Ultra, into their hands-on microfluidic fabrication workshops. This integration provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge microfabrication technologies in a practical, interactive setting.


Integrating 3D Printing into Every Stage of Microfluidic Prototyping

From May 27 to 29, 2025, Juncker Lab hosted a comprehensive workshop consisting of three lab sessions. Throughout the event, ELEGOO 3D printers, Saturn 3 Ultra and Mars 4 Series played a central role in demonstrating microfluidic fabrication techniques. The workshops provided participants with not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience in designing and producing functional microfluidic devices. 

Session 1: Microfluidic Fabrication with ELEGOO 3D Printers

In the first session, participants used ELEGOO 3D printers — Saturn 3 Ultra, Mars 4, and Mars 4 Ultra to fabricate master molds for PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) microvalves. This demonstrated how 3D-printed molds can serve as a viable alternative to traditional cleanroom-based photolithography, dramatically lowering both the cost and technical barriers to microfluidic device fabrication. The high precision of the printed molds enabled accurate formation of micro-scale channel features, which are crucial for functional microvalve performance.

Participants engaging in the introductory briefing and hands-on training at the start of the workshop.

Session 2: Capillary-Driven ELISA Assays on Printed Microfluidic Chips

In the second session, the focus shifted to functional biomedical applications. Participants fabricated capillary-driven microfluidic chips and conducted ELISA assays directly on their 3D-printed platforms. This hands-on experience highlighted how rapidly prototyped microfluidic systems can be used for real-world point-of-care diagnostic assays, showcasing their potential in clinical diagnostics.

Participants printing ELISA-on-a-chip devices during on-site training and demonstration.


Session 3: From Design to Functional Prototypes

The final session combined computer-aided design (CAD) tutorials with live 3D printing demonstrations. Participants were divided into six teams and challenged to design hydrogel-integrated multi-organ-on-a-chip (OoC) systems for drug screening. Under Junker Lab team supervision, each team successfully printed their prototypes using ELEGOO 3D printers. The exercise gave participants a full workflow experience, from digital modeling to fully functional microfluidic prototypes.

Participants printing hydrogel-integrated multi-organ-on-a-chip devices during the design challenge.


How ELEGOO Printers Supported Microfluidic Innovation

Before using ELEGOO machines, the team relied heavily on silicon wafers for cleanroom-based fabrication or DLP 3D printers for high-resolution printing of microfluidic components. A member of the Junker Lab team shared: “Compared to the tools we used previously, the ELEGOO LCD printers offer several significant advantages. LCD printers are now outperforming DLP 3D printers in both number of pixels and affordability, allowing for higher-resolution prints at a lower cost.” 

Another team member noted that: "In practical terms, the larger build plate on the ELEGOO printer enables us to fabricate many microfluidic chips simultaneously, which greatly improves throughput. Tasks that previously required multiple printing cycles or cleanroom processes can now be completed in a single day, without compromising resolution or quality. This dramatically reduces both time and operational costs, making rapid prototyping and hands-on training much more efficient."

By the end of the project, participants had successfully completed a series of fully functional 3D-printed microfluidic devices, which were used in ELISA assays and microvalve fabrication. They also delivered prototype designs of hydrogel-integrated multi-organ-on-a-chip systems, which were printed and presented during the workshop's final demonstrations.


Reliable Tools that Enabled Seamless Prototyping

Reflecting on the workshop experience, the team described the ELEGOO printer as “a game-changer for our lab.” Its high resolution, ease of use, and generous build volume allowed them to quickly prototype functional microfluidic devices and molds, cutting down both time and cost compared to traditional methods. The reliable performance of the Saturn 3 Ultra, Mars 4 and Mars 4 Ultra supported each stage of the project, from mold creation to final device printing, contributing significantly to both the efficiency of the prototyping process and the success of the hands-on training sessions.

Photos of ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra and Mars 4 Pro being used by the team

 

Looking Ahead: A Broader Vision for 3D Printed Microfluidics

Building on the success of this year's workshop, Juncker Lab plans to continue incorporating ELEGOO 3D printers into future training and research initiatives. The team aims to host the workshops annually, providing more students and researchers with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in 3D printing and microfluidic fabrication.

The lab is also exploring new frontiers by integrating 3D printed microfluidics with biosensors, hydrogels, and organ-on-a-chip platforms, advancing biomedical research and diagnostic technologies.

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