Available Technology
Micro Molding in Capillaries (MiMiC) | Low-cost alternative to photolithography
Technology:
Method of forming articles and patterning surfaces via capillary micromolding
Markets Addressed
This technology provides a technique for forming patterned microstructures of organic polymers on the surfaces of solid substrates. It is a viable, low-cost alternative to many photolithography applications specifically including microarray manufacturing. It further allows for microstructures to be produced using a broad range of non- photoresists organic polymers which unlike photolithography, include many useful structural and functional polymers. This technology further outperforms photolithography costing less for both initial capital and operating expense. This technology could be considered more versatile then existing techniques allowing a user to create microstructures on both a curved or planar surface that is rigid or flexible. This technology is specifically useful for constructing low-cost and innovative DNA microarrays and engineered biologically active surfaces.
Innovations and Advantages
Micro Molding in Capillaries [MiMiC ] is a technique for fabricating patterned microstructures of various organic polymers on a variety of solid substrates. In this technique, an elastomeric block (typically made from poly dimethylsiloxane, PDMS) having a patterned relief structure in its surface, is prepared by casting the elastomer against a master using procedures developed for use in microcontact printing. The master can be prepared by photolithography or by a range of other techniques. The PDMS mold that is placed on the surface of a substrate makes conformal contact with that surface; as a result, a network of channels is formed between the mold and the substrate. The substrate receiving the microstructure can be either planar or curved. When a low-viscosity liquid prepolymer is placed at the open ends of the network of channels, the liquid spontaneously fills in the channels by capillary action. After filling the channels and curing the prepolymer into a solid, crosslinked polymer, the PDMS mold is removed, and a network of polymeric material remains on the surface of the substrate. A variety of liquid prepolymers (both thermally and ultraviolet curable) such as polyurethane (PU), polyacrylate and epoxy can be used in this process. These polymeric microstructures can be released by dissolving the underlying substrates to form free-standing polymeric membranes.
For micro fabrication of structures, including microarrays, this technology is extremely simple, economic and effective. MiMiC is applicable to patterning a broad range of organic polymers [especially structural and functional polymers] and is not limited to specialized polymers such as photoresists.
Above is a step by step illustration of a potential system. [1] Typical mold. [2] Mold placed on solid substrate. [3] Liquid prepolymer placed at channel opening [4] Liquid prepolymer drawn by capillary action into mold. [5] Mold removed after curing prepolymer.
Additional Information
This technology is available for license in biological applications ONLY.
Intellectual Property Status:
• United States: (6,355,198), (6,660,192), (6,752,942) & (12/398,132)
• Australia: (723909)
• Canada: (2,248,576)
• France: (0894043)
• Germany: (69707853.1)
• Ireland: (0894043)
• Italy: (0894043)
• Spain: (0894043)
• Switzerland: (0894043)
• UK: (0894043)
Publication:
" Micromolding of Polymers in Capillaries: Applications in Microfabrication ". Article is available here.
Website:
The Whitesides Research Group website.
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Inventor(s):
Jackman, Rebecca J.
Kim, Enoch
Marzolin, Christian
Mrksich, Milan
Prentiss, Mara G.
Smith, Stephen P.
Whitesides, George M.
Xia, Younan
Zhao, Xiao-Mei
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Sam Liss, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-4371
Reference Harvard Case #1196