Micromolding in capillaries: Applications in materials science

Procedures based on micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) were used to pattern a surface of a substrate with micrometer- and submicrometer-scale structures. An elastomeric stamp made of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and having relief features in its surface was placed on a substrate; contact between the elastomeric stamp and the substrate formed a network of interconnected channels. A fluid-a precursor to a polymer, a solution, or a suspension of the material to be patterned-filled these channels by capillary action. After the material in the fluid had cross-linked, crystallized, cured, adhered, or deposited onto the surface of the substrate, the elastomeric component was removed. The microstructures remained on the surface in the pattern complementary to that present in the mold. MIMIC was used to fabricate microstructures of organic polymers, inorganic and organic salts, ceramics, metals, and crystalline microparticles.