Fabricating Microstructures on Freeform Surfaces via Flexible Hydrogel Micromolds.

ABSTRACT: Fabricating microstructures on curved surfaces is of great importance in several engineering fields, and it is an ongoing challenge to develop technologies that do not require complicated devices and cumbersome procedures. A novel approach is presented for fabricating microstructures with different topographies on curved surfaces using flexible microstructured hydrogels as molds. The hydrogel film is first microstructured via spatially controlled ultraviolet illumination utilizing its photo-responsive property. The microstructured hydrogel film is then transferred to a desired surface. Due to its low modulus, the hydrogel film can be adapted to the curved surfaces including semi-cylindrical and semi-spherical surfaces as well as freeform surfaces with both convex and concave features. The

SUBMITTER: Zhu P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11922019 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature