Ice-lithographic fabrication of concave microwells and a microfluidic network.
We describe a novel method to produce concave microwells utilizing solid-liquid phase change. This method, named 'ice-lithography', does not require any lithographic processes and consists of a few simple steps that yield multiple concave microwells. We demonstrated that the shape and size of the microwells can be controlled by varying substrates and vapor-collection time. Patterned wells with sizes in the range of 10 microm to several millimeters in diameter could be produced. Additionally, we fabricated a uniformly aligned concave microwell pattern and a microfluidic network. Ice-lithography has potential biological and biomedical applications in areas such as the fabrication of cell docking devices and microbioreactors as well as the formation of uniformly sized embryoid bodies.
Park
Joong Yull
JY
Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Health Science, Korea University, Jeongneung-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-703, Republic of Korea.
Hwang
Chang Mo
CM
Lee
Sang-Hoon
SH
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002460:Cell Line; D005347:Fibroblasts; D007053:Ice; D051379:Mice; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques
D007053:Ice