Historically, most microfluidic devices for genetic analysis have been fabricated in glass, a substrate that is costly and, if not regenerated properly between analyses, can have problems with cross-contamination. The use of polymeric substrates, such as poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), allows for simplified fabrication with the possibility for inexpensive and disposable microdevices. The work ...

Enhanced two-photon fluorescence (TPF) spectroscopy with novel high-finesse resonant polymeric grating waveguide structures (GWSs) is presented. Under resonant conditions the field enhancement at the surface of a GWS can be exploited for TPF spectroscopy without the need for highly focused laser excitation light. We compare the TPF obtained by placing a drop of tetramethylrhodamine (TMR) on top...

We demonstrate an efficient coherent holographic beam combiner (CHBC) that uses angle multiplexing of gratings in a thick polymeric substrate. Our experimental results compare well with the theoretical model based on the coupled-wave theory of multiwave mixing in a passive medium. A CHBC of this type may prove useful in producing a high-power laser by combining amplified beams produced by split...

Micropatterns of fibroblast and hippocampal neurons are generated on a single-layered graphene substrate. A large-area (1 cm × 1 cm) graphene film on Si/SiO2 is functionalized by surface-initiated ATRP of non-biofouling oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, after grafting of the polymerization initiator bearing α-bromoisobutylate via photoreaction of the perfluorophenyl azide group. The microcon...

Metallopolymers combine a processable, versatile organic polymeric skeleton with functional metals, providing multiple functions and methodologies in materials science. Taking advantage of cationic cobaltocenium as the key building block, organogels could be simply switched to hydrogels via a highly efficient ion exchange. With the unique ionic complexion ability, cobaltocenium moieties provide...

We describe a non-destructive and inexpensive way of measuring the interface toughness between polymeric layers in microfabricated devices. A flat surface is bonded under pressure to a surface patterned with microscopic steps. When the pressure is removed, cracks develop at the interface as the material peels away from the steps. The toughness of the bond can be inferred from the crack lengths....

This work aims at reporting an innovative approach towards the development of a three-dimensional cell-based bio-hybrid actuator. The system, made of polydimethylsiloxane and based on a stress-induced rolling membrane technique, was provided with different elastic moduli (achieved by varying the monomer/curing agent ratio), with proper surface micro-topographies and with a proper surface chemic...

Synthetic substrates that mimic the properties of extracellular matrix proteins hold significant promise for use in systems designed for tissue engineering applications. In this report, we designed a synthetic polymeric substrate that is intended to mimic chemical, mechanical, and topological characteristics of collagen. We found that elastomeric poly(ester amide) substrates modified with repli...

A low-cost, direct fabrication technique with a micrometer range resolution has been implemented for rapid prototyping of optical masks for photolithography and structured light and diffraction optics applications. Using a setup based on the optical unit of a compact disc-digital versatile disc burner, a low-energy infrared laser beam was focused on a thin polymeric layer with embedded absorbin...