Ice-lithographic fabrication of concave microwells and a microfluidic network

Biomed Microdevices. 2009 Feb;11(1):129-33. doi: 10.1007/s10544-008-9216-1.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Line
  • Fibroblasts
  • Ice*
  • Mice
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*

Substances

  • Ice