Micro Injection Molded Microtopographic Polymer Plates used to Mechanically Direct Stem Cell Activity

Abstract

A novel micro injection molding assembly which allows for firm yet compliant housing of silicon tooling was designed and manufactured. Microchannels were etched into a silicon wafer through the use of ultraviolet lithography (UVL) combined with deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Injection molded polystyrene plates containing microtopography were fabricated in which multiple molding parameter studies were executed to further understand the effect of mold temperature and injection velocity on replication. Micro and nano featured polymeric substrates have tremendous potential for use in stem cell culture, as cells are exposed to and controlled by microtopography in their natural environment.