Harnessing localized ridges for high-aspect-ratio hierarchical patterns with dynamic tunability and multifunctionality

Adv Mater. 2014 Mar 19;26(11):1763-70. doi: 10.1002/adma.201304589. Epub 2013 Dec 12.

Abstract

A simple method for fabricating high-aspect-ratio, hierarchical, and dynamically tunable surface patterns is invented by harnessing localized-ridge instabilities in gold nanofilms coated on elastomer substrates (a); a theoretical model to calculate the critical parameters (e.g., wavelength and amplitude) for designing the new patterns is developed (b); and novel applications of the patterns as super-hydrophobic coatings (c) and biomimetic cell-culture substrates (d) capable of on-demand tunability are demonstrated.

Keywords: cell alignment; hierarchical patterns; instability; localized ridge; superhydrophobicity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Elastomers / chemistry*
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Gold Compounds / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Materials Testing
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / physiology
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry
  • Wettability

Substances

  • Elastomers
  • Gold Compounds