Speaker
Description
Two-photon lithography (TPL) is a high-resolution technique capable of fabricating complex three-dimensional microstructures with sub-micrometer precision. Unlike conventional lithography methods, TPL allows freeform fabrication under ambient conditions, making it especially useful in biological applications where microenvironmental control is essential[1]. Its ability to produce structures with variable porosity, multilayered architecture, and internal heterogeneity makes it ideal for use in tissue engineering and microfluidic systems[2].
In our work, we used custom-developed photoresists optimized for two-photon polymerization to fabricate microstructured components for biological applications. Scaffold architectures were designed with controlled porosity and spatial dimensions suitable for integration into microfluidic devices. Structures were written using a two-photon lithography system under ambient conditions, and fabrication parameters were adjusted to match the mechanical and geometrical requirements of each application. To expand functionality, TPL was combined with complementary techniques—such as soft lithography for chip fabrication and replica molding for layer integration—allowing us to align scaffolds and functional microstructures directly within microfluidic layouts. This modular approach enabled the production of complete microsystems incorporating filters, barriers, and culture supports.
We present our approach to fabricating well-defined porous scaffolds designed for integration into microfluidic devices, intended to serve as a framework for future biological studies within organ-on-chip platforms. Furthermore, we demonstrate the fabrication of functional microelements, including membranes with defined architecture and precise alignment within microfluidic chips, enabling compartmentalization or filtration. We also show the feasibility of fabricating microneedles with sharp tips and controlled dimensions, which hold potential for pharmaceutical research.
Our findings confirm that TPL is well-suited for building multifunctional microsystems for biological research. Beyond scaffolds, the method offers a pathway to fabricate a wide range of internal chip components, such as biosensors and microneedles, that expand the utility of microfluidic systems. The ability to integrate multiple features with sub-micrometer accuracy supports more faithful modeling of tissue microenvironments and paves the way for next-generation organ-on-chip devices. Future work will focus on biological validation and further exploration of material biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
References
[1] S. O’Halloran, A. Pandit, A. Heise, A. Kellett, Advanced Science 2023, 10, 2204072.
[2] C. Maibohm, O. F. Silvestre, J. Borme, M. Sinou, K. Heggarty, J. B. Nieder, Sci Rep 2020, 10, 8740.
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