Method of producing a polymer stamp for the reproduction of devices comprising microstructures and nanostructures and corresponding device

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

This invention describes a method for producing a polymer stamp capable of accurately replicating devices with both microstructures and nanostructures in a single low-cost casting process. The resulting polymer stamp can then be used to create devices—such as components for micro fuel cells—that incorporate complex surface features like channels with hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. These micro- and nanostructures are created using advanced lithography methods and are transferred to the device without the need for multiple materials or chemical coatings.

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

• Fabrication of fuel delivery and water management systems in micro fuel cells.
• Production of microfluidic devices for precise control of fluids in biotech labs.
• Development of lab-on-a-chip devices integrating both micro- and nano-features.
• Manufacturing optical components like photonic crystals or antireflection surfaces.
• Creation of biochips for medical diagnostics that require controlled wettability.
• Replication of high-precision micro- and nanostructured patterns for sensors.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables low-cost, high-accuracy replication of both micro- and nanostructures in devices.
• Eliminates the need for multiple materials or complicated coatings to achieve hydrophilic/hydrophobic regions.
• Allows for the integration of multiple functionalities (e.g., liquid/gas separation) directly into polymer devices.
• Simplifies the fabrication process, enabling mass production and scalability for industrial applications.
• Enhances device performance via precisely engineered surface properties.
• Supports the creation of devices with embedded through-holes and complex 3D features in a single casting step.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention provides a method of producing a polymer stamp (11) for the reproduction of devices comprising microstructures (5, 6) and nanostructures (3), the method comprising the steps of providing a first substrate (1), patterning nanostructures (3) into the first substrate material, patterning microstructures (5, 6) onto the first substrate (1), casting a polymer elastomer onto the first substrate (1) with nanostructures (3) and microstructures (5, 6) to form a polymer stamp (11) and releasing the polymer stamp (11). The present invention is further directed to a method of reproducing devices comprising microstructures and nanostructures comprising the steps of casting a final product (12) material onto the polymer stamp (11) comprising microstructures (5, 6) and nanostructures (3) produced according to the invention, wherein the microstructures (5, 6) and nanostructures (3) are transferred during the casting step to the final product (12), and releasing the final product (12) of the polymer stamp (11). In a preferred embodiment, the final device forms a part of a micro fuel cell system as a fuel delivery system (22) or a water management system (26).