Technical Problem and Solution
Product Development Description
Session Time and Speakers


Technical Problem and Solution

C. Microfluidics for SPL: Inkwells™

To improve the reliability as well as writing reproducibility, the WC (Workshop Chair) developed a microfluidics system (called “Inkwells™”)P11P from concept to commercial product (Figure 4). Inkwells were developed to carry “ink” (materials to be deposited using the DPN technique) and be brought in contact with the pen array to transfer unique ink to individual pens in an array.  Inkwells were primarily developed for materials synthesis in bio-nanolithography applications such as high density patterning of nano-arrays of bio-materials (e.g., oligonucleotides, proteins, lipids, etc.)P11P.  Microfluidic actuation in an Inkwell system occurs by open channel meniscus driven flow (wicking) in micro-channels, which distribute liquid from reservoirs into an array of terminal micro-wells connected by tributary micro-channels.  This involved design, fabrication, testing and volume manufacturing of the InkwellsP13, 14, 15P. The designed Inkwells consist of relatively wide main channels (20-40 microns) that feed narrower channels (tributaries) of 5 micron width that terminate in 18-20 micron sized microwells.

graphic4

The following platforms are proposed for development using SPL techniques:
dot A. Fountain Pen Nanolithography (FPN) for combinatorial nano-synthesis
B. Thermal property measurements of ultra-thin polymeric films
dot C. Bio-Nano Synthesis Using SPL Techniques for Biotechnology Applications
Item A above addresses needs in the materials, tribology and biotechnology markets. Item B addresses needs in the materials and computer data storage markets. Item C addresses needs in the biotechnology market.

UA. Fountain Pen Nanolithography (FPN) for Combinatorial Nano-Synthesis:

One disadvantage of SPL in the current stage is that an individual pen can only be coated with one type of molecule (or combination of molecules). Therefore only one component pattern can be produced per run. If other molecules or molecular combinations are desired the pen has to be replaced. There is also a limited number of species for probe arrays and the writing species need to be replenished periodically – requiring the AFM probe to be dismounted, which interrupts the writing process. Also, certain biological materials (e.g., proteins, antibodies, etc.) lose their biological activity on SPL pens due to evaporation dry-out of the cantilever tips. A continuous flow device is required for these bio-materials.
graphic4
Figure 5 (a). Schematic showing the concept for Fountain Pen Nanolithography (FPN) platform.
  << back
dot