Multi Material Micro Manufacture Network of Excellence - cell / tissue scaffolding

Manufacturing and replication of cell aligning micro structures

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:52:10 +0000

C. Brecher (a),(b), R. Klar (b), F. Pretzsch (b), C. Wenzel (b)

(a) Werkzeugmaschinenlabor (WZL), RWTH Aachen University, Germany
(b) Fraunhofer-Institute for Production Technology Aachen, Germany

Abstract

Biotechnology is becoming more and more important and is influencing our everyday life. One of the most important advantages will become the manufacturing of mass customized cells also known as tissue engineering. To optimize and shorten the cell growth, micro structures have shown an important impact on the cell division, alignment and cell differentiation. This paper deals with the manufacturing of micro structured moulds by diamond machining and the successive replication process to create bio functional surfaces provided with micro structures. While the fabrication of micro structures by diamond machining is an expensive and long lasting process the replication of bio functional surfaces by hot embossing allows the cost efficient production of these surfaces. Compared to lithography processes, diamond machining is very flexible and offers next to 2D or 2 1/2D geometries real 3D forms to copy invivo conditions for in-vitro cell replication processes. One of the main advantages of diamond machining is the flexibility to diversify the shape of micro structures rapidly to investigate the cell - substrate - interaction down to the micrometer range.

CEA Grenoble

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 08:43:53 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

The CEA (Atomic Energy Commission) is a French Governmental Research Organisation (1500 employees) devoted to both fundamental and industrial R&D. The CEA-Grenoble research center is operated by the DRT (Technological Research Direction) in the fields of technologies for information, communication and of technologies for new energies. The two main laboratories (LETI and LITEN) involved in 4M are developing polymers micro systems for various fields of applications (biotechnology, micro fluidics, micro fuel cells, photonics and micro heat exchanger).These two laboratories are one of the largest European R&D operators in the micro & nanotechnologies, nano-materials and electronics. It mainly aims at helping companies to increase their competitiveness through technological innovation and transfer of its technical know-how to industry. CEA/DRT has also an active policy of start-up creation. More than 20 permanent people are working on the following topics relevant to 4M:
•UV LIGA micromolding fabrication process: thick photoresist photolithography, mould fabrication, hot embossing
•Prototyping of polymers microcomponents: direct fabrication with thick photoresist, polymer Deep Etching, casting
•Assembling and packaging of polymer Microsystems.
•Manufacturing technologies of energy microsources.
•Active Surface treatment (Hydrophobic, Hydrophilic,…)
•Characterization of polymer properties (Strain, viscosity, Surface roughness,…)

RAS contact:
bertrand fillon

CCLRC - Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 09:07:28 +0000

Facilities/Hardware:

CCLRC is the largest UK national research facility employing ~2000 scientists, engineers and support staff. The project-related tasks for 4M will be carried out by the Central Microstructure Facility (CMF) at CCLRC-RAL. CMF is a division of the CCLRC engaged in R&D activities in micro and nano systems technology for the past 20 years. It has been involved with large number of nationally funded and EC funded projects. CCLRC -RAL has led many Nationally funded programmes including the £19 million Innovations in Industrial Lithography (ISL) programme funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industries. The CMF is a major national centre for microsystems technology. As a national facility we interact with over 100 universities in the UK. Our European involvement is also very strong. We have led many EU projects.
The Central Microstructure Facility (CMF) provides state-of-the-art microfabrication services and R&D facilities, based on electron-beam lithography and semiconductor equipment, to universities and industry. A central well-found research and prototype manufacturing service is available using advanced technology for microelectronics, masks, interconnects, direct write and for microsystems technology/microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). CMF is a neutral site where academic-industry and industry-industry collaborations offer good technology transfer opportunities.

RAS contact:
Andreas Schneider