Apparatus and method for microcontact printing using a pressurized roller

摘要

An apparatus and method for microcontact printing are described. The microcontact printing apparatus includes a planar stamp and a pressurized roller. The pressurized roller includes an inflatable bladder that can be inflated by a fluid to a pressure that reduces printing defects such as voids and stamp collapse. A substrate is disposed between the pressurized roller and a stamp coated with an ink of functionalizing molecules. As the pressurized roller moves over the substrate, at least a portion of the functionalizing molecules are transferred from the stamp to the substrate in the desired pattern.

主权项

1. A method of microcontact printing, comprising:
providing a planar inked stamp comprising functionalizing molecules; orienting a first surface of a substrate towards a surface of the inked stamp; contacting the first surface of the substrate to the surface of the inked stamp; rolling a pressurized roller over a second surface of the substrate; and transferring at least a portion of the functionalizing molecules from the surface of the planar inked stamp to the first surface of the substrate, wherein the pressurized roller includes an inflatable bladder that is pressurized by a fluid, the inflatable bladder comprising an outer wall that contacts the second surface of the substrate when the pressurized roller is rolled, and wherein the inflatable bladder does not include internal supports within an interior volume of the inflatable bladder.