High-precision robotic microcontact printing (R-μCP) utilizing a vision guided selectively compliant articulated robotic arm

• DOI: 10.1039/c3lc51137e
• Publication Date: 2014-03-19T09:34:40Z
• Authors: Jason D. McNulty; Tyler Klann; Jin Sha; Max Salick; Gavin T. Knight; Lih-Sheng Turng; Randolph S. Ashton
• Keywords: Microcontact Printing; Polydimethylsiloxane; SCARA; Microscale chemistry; Repeatability

Increased realization of the spatial heterogeneity found within in vivo tissue microenvironments has prompted desire to engineer similar complexities into vitro culture substrates. Microcontact printing (μCP) is a versatile technique for engineering such onto cell substrates because it permits microscale control relative positioning molecules and cells over large surface areas. However, challenges associated with precisely aligning superimposing multiple μCP steps severely limits extent substrate modification that can be achieved using this method. Thus, we investigated feasibility vision guided selectively compliant articulated robotic arm (SCARA) applications. SCARAs are routinely used perform high precision, repetitive tasks manufacturing, even low-end models capable achieving precision. Here, present customization SCARA execute robotic-μCP (R-μCP) gold-coated microscope coverslips. The system not only possesses ability align polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps but also capability do so after have been removed, reacted graft polymer brushes, replaced back system. Plus, non-biased computerized analysis shows performs sequential patterning <10 μm precision accuracy, which equivalent repeatability specifications employed model. R-μCP should facilitate complex vivo-like their integration microfluidic devices.