Creating new 3D printed microfluidic devices using PDMS.
Official title: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF PDMS MICROFLUIDICS
Funded at Phase, INC. · NIH-10830468 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating better tiny models that act like human bodies to help test new medicines, using 3D printing to make them more effective and accurate for drug development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Phase, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cornelius, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $764,258 |
| NIH project number | 5R44TR003968-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830468 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are involved in or affected by conditions that require innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly those related to the blood-brain barrier and cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve the blood-brain barrier or cardiovascular disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced microfluidic models that can better mimic human biological systems for testing new therapeutics. By utilizing additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, the team aims to overcome the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods that restrict the design and functionality of microfluidic devices. The project seeks to innovate the use of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a common material in microfluidics, by improving its 3D printing capabilities. This could lead to more accurate in vitro models that can enhance the drug development process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer therapeutic options for patients by improving the drug testing process.
How similar studies have gone: While additive manufacturing in microfluidics is a growing field, this specific approach to enhancing PDMS printing is relatively novel and has not been widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Phase, INC.
Cornelius, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schultz, Jeffrey — Phase, INC.
- Study coordinator: Schultz, Jeffrey
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Creating advanced 3D printed microfluidic devices using PDMS materials
This study is working on a new way to 3D print tiny devices that help with medical tests, using a special material, so that doctors can get better and faster results for patients.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.