In situ photografting during direct laser writing in thermoplastic microchannels

Abstract A method for in situ photografting during direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization is presented. The technique serves as a powerful approach to the formation of covalent bonds between 3D photoresist structures and thermoplastic surfaces. By leveraging the same laser for both patter...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jung Y. Han, Sarah Warshawsky, Don L. DeVoe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2021-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-90571-2
Description
Summary:Abstract A method for in situ photografting during direct laser writing by two-photon polymerization is presented. The technique serves as a powerful approach to the formation of covalent bonds between 3D photoresist structures and thermoplastic surfaces. By leveraging the same laser for both pattern generation and localized surface reactions, crosslinking between the bulk photoresist and thermoplastic surface is achieved during polymerization. When applied to in-channel direct laser writing for microfluidic device fabrication, the process yields exceptionally strong adhesion and robust bond interfaces that can withstand pressure gradients as high as 7 MPa through proper channel design, photoinitiator selection, and processing conditions.
ISSN:2045-2322