Polymeric Sensors and Actuators

Chapter 2

Methods of Fabrication

2.1 Patterning Techniques

The techniques of the formation of micro- and nano-patterns on surfaces with regard to chemical and biological substances is essential in sensor technology. These techniques have been summarized in a review by Hook, Voelcker, and Thissen (1). More detailed references can be found in this particular review. An overview of patterning techniques is given in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1 Patterning techniques (1)

Method	Advantage	Disadvantage
Contact and noncontact printing	Quick and simple pattern formation	Poor resolution, pattern dimensions limited
Electron beam lithography	Highly resolved patterning, no need for a mask	Slow processing time, clean environment required, expensive
Dip pen nanolithography	Highly resolved patterning, high energy particle beams not required.	Slow processing time
Photolithography	Highly resolved patterning, large surface areas	Rigorous experimental protocols.
Templating	Low cost, quick and highly resolved	inert environment, dimensions and geometries restricted
Imprint lithography	Low cost, high resolution	Limited number of molecules and substrates
Microcontact printing	Simple method	Limited number of molecules and substrates
Microfluidics	Experimentally simple
Micromoulding	Experimentally simple	Limited pattern geometries
Magnetic force based patterning	Directly patterns cells and biomolecules	Conducted in an inert environment

2.2 Coating Techniques

A comparative study using ...