Microreplication and design of biological architectures using dynamic-mask multiphoton lithography.
A strategy for rapidly printing three-dimensional (3D) microscopic replicas using multiphoton lithography directed by a dynamic electronic mask is reported. Morphological descriptions of 3D structures are encoded as stacks of 2D slices created from tomographic and computer-designed instruction sets. In this manner, digital images serve as input for a sequence of reflective photomasks on a digital micromirror device to direct replication of a structure. By scanning a laser focus across the face of the intrinsically aligned masks, tomographic and computed data can be translated into protein-based 3D reproductions with submicrometer feature sizes within 1 min. This straightforward and highly versatile approach may provide improved routes for the development of 3D cellular scaffolds, rapid prototyping of microanalytical devices, and production of custom tissue replacements.
Nielson
Rex
R
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1 University Station A5300, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Kaehr
Bryan
B
Shear
Jason B
JB
D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000737:chemistry; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D036641:Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton; D011474:Prosthesis Design / Q000379:methods; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
D014025:Titanium; D000537:Aluminum Oxide