title: Background and survey of bioreplication techniques.
abstract: Bioreplication is the direct reproduction of a biological structure in order to realize at least one specific functionality. Current bioreplication techniques include the sol-gel technique, atomic layer deposition, physical vapor deposition, and imprint lithography and casting. The combined use of a focused ion beam and a scanning electron microscope could develop into a bioreplication technique as well. Some of these techniques are more suitable for reproducing surface features, others for bulk three-dimensional structures. Industrial upscaling appears possible only for imprint lithography and casting (which can be replaced by stamping).
authors.affiliation: Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
authors.forename: Drew Patrick
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Pulsifer
authors.forename: Akhlesh
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lakhtakia
mesh_terms: D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry*; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products