Nanofiber-based Surface Microfluidic Structures for Cell and Nanoparticle Patterning

Surface microfluidic (SMF) structures composed of nanofibers are fabricated and utilized to pattern cells and nanoparticles. The key technique of the fabrication is the synthesis of nanofibers during oxygen plasma removal of photoresist. With photolithography technology, the nanofiber-based SMF structures of diversiform morphologies are achieved. Due to large capillary forces caused by the large number of pores existing in the nanofibers, the SMF structures exhibit excellent hydrophilicity and, therefore, have a high ability to deliver microfluids. By taking advantage of the capillary phenomenon in fibrous structures, cells and nanoparticles are successfully patterned along the SMF structures.