KSEF R&D Excellence: Novel Method for Synthesis and Integration of Intelligent Polymer Networks with X, Y, and Z Apecial

Grants and Contracts Details

Description

Project Summary Novel Method for Synthesis and Integration of Intelligent Polymer Networks with X, Y, and Z Spatial Control at the Micro- and Nanoscale J. Zach Hilt Center for Nanoscale Science & Engineering, Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering University of Kentucky, Lexington KY 40506 Ph: (859)-257-9844; Fax: (859)-323-1929; Email: [email protected] Program Title: R&D Excellence: RFP#: KSEF-04-RDE-007 Grant Category: Emendm! ideas Research Focus Areas: Materials Science and Advanced Manufacturin1! The goal of this project is to develop a novel method to integrate intelligent polymer networks with silicon, glass, and polymer devices with micro- and nanoscale control. In these studies, two different intelligent polymer networks (an ionic polymer network and a biomimetic polymer network), which are entirely synthetic and tailored to have various properties and function, are to be integrated as functional components of microdevices. These artificial networks are advantageous alternatives to biological entities because they can be designed to mimic biological recognition pathways and at the same time exhibit other abiotic properties that are more favorable for microsensing applications. The novel method to be developed will enable for the fabrication of platfonns that harness the unique abilities of these polymer networks, including diagnostic devices, therapeutic devices, tissue engineering, rnicroarray, and diagnostic and therapeutic clinic-on-a-chip. Specifically, photolithography procedures will be utilized to create a silicon master with microscale features, which will be used to mold elastomeric poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) stamps with corresponding micro scale features. For integration with silicon or glass, these stamps will be inked with an organosilane coupling agent that will modify the surface with a photoinitiator molecule, and subsequently, the surface to be modified will be stamped with the inked stamp. The modified substrate will then be coated with a monomer solution that contains no initiator, and UV light will be applied to initiate the polymerization. The reaction will only initiate from surface regions that have been modified with the stamping step, resulting in X and Y control over the synthesis. For Z control, the extent of reaction will be controlled with reaction time, thus allowing for the thickness of the polymer to be tailored. These novel methods are widely applicable and will enable for the integration of various intelligent polymer networks as functional components in microdevices. Keywords: Microfabrication. Microstamping. Nanotechnology. intelligent Polymer Networks. Microdevices
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date5/1/0510/31/07

Funding

  • KY Science and Technology Co Inc: $99,785.00

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