Novelty:
New way to self-assemble thin, flexible, and complex shaped microstructure with microfluidic channels
Value Proposition:
New folding method by Johns Hopkins researchers allows creation of complex shaped curvilinear microstructures with microfluidic channels that are anatomically relevant. Other advantage of the invention includes:
Technical Details:
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a new way to self-assemble complex shaped microstructures with microfluidic channels. Compromised of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and SU-8, biocompatible polymers widely utilized in conventional microfluidic and cell culture, this invention can spontaneously fold and unfold itself utilizing stress-gradient. The invention is fabricated with micropatterned pores atop the channels to enable the delivery of chemicals to specific regions directly external to the device. It uses 'chip-based" assembly (i.e. conventional 2D microfabrication), allowing rapid and simultaneous fabrication of microfluidic devices. Application space for the invention is broad; it can serve as a cell culture scaffold itself, enabling the directed growth of cells into complex anatomically relevant geometries, or it can be utilized to locally control the temperature of flexible electronic devices.
Looking for Partners:
To develop and commercialize the technology as self-assembly method in microfluidics
Stage of Development:
Discovery
Data Availability:
Under NDA/CDA
Publications/Associated Cases:
Nature Communications 2, 527 (2011)
