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
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 5/1/05 → 10/31/07 |
Funding
- KY Science and Technology Co Inc: $99,785.00
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