Controlling the shape of 3D microstructures by temperature and light

Marc Hippler, Eva Blasco, Jingyuan Qu, Motomu Tanaka, Christopher Barner-Kowollik, Martin Wegener () and Martin Bastmeyer ()
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Marc Hippler: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Eva Blasco: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Jingyuan Qu: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Motomu Tanaka: Heidelberg University
Christopher Barner-Kowollik: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Martin Wegener: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Martin Bastmeyer: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Stimuli-responsive microstructures are critical to create adaptable systems in soft robotics and biosciences. For such applications, the materials must be compatible with aqueous environments and enable the manufacturing of three-dimensional structures. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) is a well-established polymer, exhibiting a substantial response to changes in temperature close to its lower critical solution temperature. To create complex actuation patterns, materials that react differently with respect to a stimulus are required. Here, we introduce functional three-dimensional hetero-microstructures based on pNIPAM. By variation of the local exposure dose in three-dimensional laser lithography, we demonstrate that the material parameters can be altered on demand in a single resist formulation. We explore this concept for sophisticated three-dimensional architectures with large-amplitude and complex responses. The experimental results are consistent with numerical calculations, able to predict the actuation response. Furthermore, a spatially controlled response is achieved by inducing a local temperature increase by two-photon absorption of focused light.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08175-w

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