High-definition polymeric membranes: construction of 3D lithographed channel arrays through control of natural building blocks dynamics.
The fabrication of well-defined interfaces is in high demand in many fields of biotechnologies. Here, high-definition membrane-like arrays are developed through the self-assembly of water droplets, which work as natural building blocks for the construction of ordered channels. Solution viscosity together with the dynamics of the water droplets can decide the final formation of three-dimensional well-ordered patterns resembling anodic structures, especially because solvents denser than water are used. Particularly, the polymer solution viscosity is demonstrated to be a powerful tool for control of the mobility of submerged droplets during the microfabrication process. The polymeric patterns are structured at very high levels of organization and exhibit well-established transport-surface property relationships, considered basics for any types of advanced biotechnologies.
Speranza
Valentina
V
Research Institute on Membrane Technology, National Research Council, I-87030 Rende, Italy.
Trotta
Francesco
F
Drioli
Enrico
E
Gugliuzza
Annarosa
A
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers