Generation of precision microstructures based on reconfigurable photoresponsive hydrogels for high-resolution polymer replication and microoptics.

ABSTRACT: Microstructured molds are essential for fabricating various components ranging from precision optics and microstructured surfaces to microfluidics. However, conventional fabrication technology such as photolithography requires expensive equipment and a large number of processing steps. Here, we report a facile method to fabricate micromolds based on a reusable photoresponsive hydrogel: Uniform micropatterns are engraved into the hydrogel surface using photo masks under UV irradiation within a few minutes. Patterns are replicated using polydimethylsiloxane with minimum feature size of 40 μm and smoothness of R_q ~ 3.4 nm. After replication, the patterns can be fully erased by light thus allowing for reuse as a new mold without notable loss in performance. Utilizing greyscale litho

SUBMITTER: Zhu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11227548 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature