Wayne
State University researchers have invented a novel process to make array
patterns and its use for high-throughput screening of crystallization
conditions, liquid solution applications, and other lab-on-the-chip
applications. The formation process
is a variation of “particle lithography” in which microparticles such as
polystyrene microparticles are used as templates to make ring structures.
Previous “particle
lithography” is based on organosilane surface chemistry. It produces rings limited to the
monolayer thickness by reaction of organosilane with silicon wafer
substrates. By controlling
particular reaction conditions, the WSU research team was able to produce ring
patterns that exceed the monolayer height. Furthermore, different
microparticles (e.g., silica particles instead of polystyrene particles) can be
used to form the same pattern.
Microparticles with difference shapes (e.g., micro-rods instead of
micro-spheres) can be used to make beakers of different shapes. Different organosilanes (e.g.,
aminosilanes instead of octadecyltrichlorosilane) can be used to give different
beaker chemical composition.
Thus, a variety of liquids that wet the beaker surface can be contained
inside the beaker. These technological
abilities could fill a need for inexpensive test plates for drug loading,
precipitation, and crystallization and also high-throughput chemical reaction
tests with minimal amounts of liquid.
Commercial
Applications:
·
The
use of nanopattern arrays in the production of nano-beakers with adjustable
beaker volume
·
High-throughput
screening of crystallization conditions for drugs, dyes and pigments, and
proteins
·
Liquid
solution applications
·
Lab-on-the-chip
applications
Competitive
Advantages:
·
Simple and
inexpensive method to produce nanopattern arrays with adjustable height (inner
volume)
·
Ability to produce
ring patterns that exceed the monolayer height
·
Different
microparticles (e.g., silica particles instead of polystyrene particles) can be
used to form the same pattern
·
Microparticles
with difference shapes (e.g., micro-rods instead of micro-spheres) can be used
to make beakers of different shapes.
· Different
organosilanes (e.g., aminosilanes instead of octadecyltrichlorosilane) can be
used to give different beaker chemical composition