Advancements and challenges in SLA-based microfluidic devices for organ-on-chip applications

• Microfluidic devices enable precise fluid manipulation at the microscale, becoming promising platforms for in vitro drug screening. • Stereolithography is an outstanding technique for producing high-resolution and complex microfluidic devices. • The poor optical transparency and insufficient cell adhesion of resins limit SLA-based microfluidic applications. • Advances in surface functionalisation are being explored to improve cellular interactions. • SLA microfluidics will enable rapid prototyping for diagnostics, organ-on-chip, and drug screening. Microfluidic devices have revolutionized the study of biological processes by enabling precise manipulation of fluids on a microscale. These devices can replicate human physiology in vitro, thereby acting as valuable platforms for disease modelling, drug development, and cancer research. Among the diverse fabrication techniques, VAT Photopolymerisation 3D printing process, and specifically stereolithography (SLA) has emerged as a promising method for producing high-resolution and complex microfluidic devices. Nonetheless, challenges persist, particularly with respect to the limitations of SLA resins, such as suboptimal optical transparency and insufficient cell adhesion. These issues hinder the broader adoption of SLA-based microfluidic devices, particularly for organ-on-chip applications. Strategies such as surface functionalization are being explored to enhance cellular interactions and ensure device biocompatibility. This review explores the integration of microfluidic devices into organ-on-chip platforms, the role of SLA in advancing microfluidics, and the technical hurdles that must be overcome for these devices to transition from research to clinical use. In addition, the continued development of materials and techniques is expected to increase the adoption of microfluidic devices for healthcare applications, thereby driving innovation in diagnostics, drug testing, and organ-on-chip technologies while overcoming current manufacturing and scalability constraints.