Method for Producing a Structured Elastomer and Elastomer

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a novel method for producing highly deformable, micro-structured elastomers by curing the elastomer directly on a structured silicon dioxide (SiO2) surface. The process enables the creation of elastomers with very low stiffness (low Young's modulus) and fine structures, which can serve as sensitive force sensors, for example, in pharmaceutical testing and cellular biomechanics studies. Importantly, the use of SiO2 as a template or stamp improves reusability, manufacturing efficiency, and structural integrity of both the elastomer and stamp.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sensitive force sensors for biological and pharmaceutical research, including drug screening using heart muscle cells (myocytes)
• Mechanotransduction studies on living cells, including cancer cells or cardiac tissues
• Microstructured biomaterial surfaces for cell culturing and tissue engineering
• Flexible transparent substrates with controlled microstructures for optics or microfluidics
• Manufacture of soft devices and sensors requiring precise, reproducible micro-scale patterns

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables production of ultra-soft elastomers with micro- and nanostructures, maintaining structural fidelity even at high softness
• Reusable SiO2 stamps reduce material costs and process complexity
• Improved detachment of elastomer from stamp, reducing destruction or deformation of the microstructures
• Scalable to very fine features (down to tens of nanometers) for advanced applications
• Eliminates need for toxic reagents (e.g., works with non-toxic siloxanes), enhancing safety and biocompatibility
• Improved optical clarity of elastomers due to removal of uncrosslinked material, useful for microscopy
• Facilitates high-sensitivity measurements in biological force sensing, potentially reducing animal testing in pharmaceutical development

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a structured elastomer. The invention is characterised in that the elastomer is applied and hardened directly on a structured SiO2-surface. As a result, highly-deformable, micro-structured elastomers can be produced for force sensors which are used during the characterisation of new therapeutic agents.