Low-cost photolithography system for cell biology labs

Abstract Soft lithography, a tool widely applied in biology and life sciences with numerous applications, uses the soft molding of photolithography-generated master structures by polymers. The central part photolithography set-up is mask-aligner mostly based on high-pressure mercury lamp as an ultraviolet (UV) light source. This type source requires high level maintenance shows decreasing intensity over its lifetime, influencing lithography outcome. In this paper, we present low-cost, bench-top ninety-eight 375 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With approx. 10 W, our presented only fraction energy conventional lamp, LEDs have guaranteed lifetime 1000 h, which becomes noticeable at least 2.5 to 15 times more exposure cycles compared standard costs less than 850 C it very affordable. Such not attractive small academic industrial fabrication facilities who want enable work technology cannot afford set-up, but also microfluidic teaching laboratories research development laboratories, general, could benefit from cost-effective alternative. self-built system, were able produce 6 ?m 50 height 200 width. As optional feature, scaled-down laminar flow hood dust-free working environment for process.