3M-DeSyn: Design Synthesis for Multi-Layer 3D-Printed Microfluidics with Timing and Volumetric Control

Yushen Zhang, Dragan Raseta, Tsun-Ming Tseng, Ulf Schlichtmann

Abstract: 3D printing has revolutionized microfluidic device fabrication, enabling rapid prototyping and intricate geometries. However, designing lab-on-a-chip systems remains challenging. In microfluidic devices, precise control over fluid behavior is crucial, requiring careful attention to both timing and volume. Current state-of-the-art design automation tools for microfluidics have limitations, particularly in addressing the specific challenges of 3D-printed microfluidics and user-defined timing and volumetric constraints, and no design synthesis tool exists targeting these domains. We present 3M-DeSyn, a novel design synthesis method for 3D-printed microfluidics that incorporates timing and volumetric constraints and outputs print-ready 3D modeling files. It automates the design process, allowing users to specify schematics and desired flow control parameters. The underlying methodology is based on mathematical modeling of fluidic behavior and utilizes constraint optimization programming to find optimized solutions. Experimental results show significant improvements in design time while enabling rapid development of custom microfluidic systems.