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Advances in lithographic techniques for precision nanostructure fabrication in biomedical applications
Kate Stokes1, Kieran Clark1, David Odetade1
1Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
Discover Nano
|December 11, 2023
Summary
Exploring novel nano-fabrication techniques is crucial for advancing technology, especially in biomedical sensing. This review details emerging methods, comparing their resolution, scalability, and cost-effectiveness for micro- and nanofabrication.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nano-fabrication is essential for technological progress but faces limitations in throughput, cost, and resolution.
- Biomedical research, particularly point-of-care sensing, urgently requires improved nano-fabrication for better patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize the latest advancements in emerging micro- and nanofabrication patterning technologies.
- To compare novel lithographic techniques with established methods, evaluating their advantages, disadvantages, resolution, scalability, and cost.
Main Methods:
- The review covers emerging techniques such as two-photon, stereo, electrohydrodynamic, near-field electrospinning-assisted, magneto, magnetorheological drawing, nanoimprint, capillary force, nanosphere, edge, nano transfer printing, and block copolymer lithography.
- Both structural and chemical nano-fabrication methods are categorized, alongside prospective patterning techniques.
Main Results:
- Novel methods are compared against established lithography, detailing lateral resolution limits and mass production viability.
- Key advantages and shortfalls of each emerging technology are summarized, with a focus on process scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Emerging nano-fabrication techniques offer significant potential, particularly for biomedical applications.
- The adoption of these technologies, or their integration with existing methods, depends on end-user requirements like fidelity, reproducibility, and tolerance for inherent limitations.
