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Patterning surfaces with functional polymers

Nature Materials volume 7, pages 277–290 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

The ability to pattern functional polymers at different length scales is important for research fields including cell biology, tissue engineering and medicinal science and the development of optics and electronics. The interest and capabilities of polymer patterning have originated from the abundance of functionalities of polymers and a wide range of applications of the patterns. This paper reviews recent advances in top-down and bottom-up patterning of polymers using photolithography, printing techniques, self-assembly of block copolymers and instability-induced patterning. Finally, challenges and future directions are discussed from the point of view of both applicability and strategies for the surface patterning of polymers.

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Figure 1: Patterning of polymers by photolithography.
Figure 2: The nanoimprinting technique.
Figure 3: Microcontact printing.
Figure 4: Dip-pen nanolithorgraphy.
Figure 5: Inkjet printing.
Figure 6: Robotic deposition.
Figure 7: Patterning of surfaces using the self-assembly of block copolymers.
Figure 8: Instability-induced polymer patterning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, M5S 3H6, Ontario, Canada

    Zhihong Nie & Eugenia Kumacheva

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, M5S 3E5, Ontario, Canada

    Eugenia Kumacheva

  3. Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto, Taddle Creek Road, Toronto, M5S 3G9, Ontario, Canada

    Eugenia Kumacheva

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  1. Zhihong Nie
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Correspondence to Eugenia Kumacheva.

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Nie, Z., Kumacheva, E. Patterning surfaces with functional polymers. Nature Mater 7, 277–290 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2109

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