High-resolution 3D printing magnetically-active microstructures using micro-CLIP process

Abstract

Magnetic-driven micro-robotic devices have shown promising potential in enabling applications in micromanipulation, biosensing, targeted drug delivery, and minimally invasive surgery. However, the fabrication of miniaturized magnetic structures with complex geometries has remained the major technical obstacle. In this study, we report the development of a new magnetically-active photopolymerizable resin comprises poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate monomer, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles, photoinitiator, and other functional additives. Micro-continuous liquid interface production (micro-CLIP) 3D printing process was employed to realize high-resolution and high-speed fabrication of complex structures. The key characteristic properties of resin along with the matching process conditions were investigated experimentally, which allows for establishing the set of optimal fabrication conditions in fabricating magnetic microactuators towards potential applications.