Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing a sample for detection by placing the sample on a shrinkable scaffold and then shrinking the scaffold. An exemplary shrinkable scaffold is a thermoplastic substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of manufacturing a SH surface including: creating a master with SH features by: depositing a rigid material onto a first surface, wherein the first surface is a shrinkable platform; shrinking the first surface by heating to create a SH surface, wherein the SH surface has micro- and nano-scale structural features that trap air pockets and prevent water from wetting the surface; forming the master by molding an epoxy with the shrunken first surface having a SH surface, wherein the master acquires the SH features of the first surface; and imprinting the SH features of the master onto a second surface to impart the SH features of the master onto the second surface. Some embodiments relate to a superhydrophobic (SH) surface, an article including a SH surface as disclosed, such as a microfluidic device or a food container.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a monolithic mold including a plurality of lens forming features that can be used to simultaneously form a plurality of lenses with different sizes and shapes. The mold can be formed by disposing a polymeric material around a plurality of physical objects with different shapes and sized. A method of forming the mold includes providing a substrate that has a surface with regions of low and high wettability. Water is deposited on the surface such that water droplets are formed with different contact angles. The mold is formed around the droplets.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing a sample for detection by placing the sample on a shrinkable scaffold and then shrinking the scaffold. An exemplary shrinkable scaffold is a thermoplastic substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a diagnostic system including a detection zone adapted to receive a volume of biological fluid. The detection zone includes a plurality of micro-scale and nano-scale features that render the detection zone superhydrophobic. Analytes (e.g., proteins and/or other molecules) are concentrated when the volume of biological fluid is allowed to evaporate on the detection zone. Concentrating the analytes in the detection zone by evaporation can advantageously increase the sensitivity of detection of the analyte. In various implementations, microfluidic channels can be integrated with the diagnostic system to convey the volume of biological fluid to the detection zone. In various implementations, the microfluidic channels can have a lower hydrophobic characteristic than the surrounding to realize self-driven microfluidic channels that convey the biological fluid to the detection zone without using any external devices.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a diagnostic system including a detection zone adapted to receive a volume of biological fluid. The detection zone includes a plurality of micro-scale and nano-scale features that render the detection zone superhydrophobic. Analytes (e.g., proteins and/or other molecules) are concentrated when the volume of biological fluid is allowed to evaporate on the detection zone. Concentrating the analytes in the detection zone by evaporation can advantageously increase the sensitivity of detection of the analyte. In various implementations, microfluidic channels can be integrated with the diagnostic system to convey the volume of biological fluid to the detection zone. In various implementations, the microfluidic channels can have a lower hydrophobic characteristic than the surrounding to realize self-driven microfluidic channels that convey the biological fluid to the detection zone without using any external devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of manufacturing a SH surface including: creating a master with SH features by: depositing a rigid material onto a first surface, wherein the first surface is a shrinkable platform; shrinking the first surface by heating to create a SH surface, wherein the SH surface has micro- and nano-scale structural features that trap air pockets and prevent water from wetting the surface; forming the master by molding an epoxy with the shrunken first surface having a SH surface, wherein the master acquires the SH features of the first surface; and imprinting the SH features of the master onto a second surface to impart the SH features of the master onto the second surface. Some embodiments relate to a superhydrophobic (SH) surface, an article including a SH surface as disclosed, such as a microfluidic device or a food container.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a monolithic mold including a plurality of lens forming features that can be used to simultaneously form a plurality of lenses with different sizes and shapes. The mold can be formed by disposing a polymeric material around a plurality of physical objects with different shapes and sized. A method of forming the mold includes providing a substrate that has a surface with regions of low and high wettability. Water is deposited on the surface such that water droplets are formed with different contact angles. The mold is formed around the droplets.

Abstract: Provided are methods for preparing a mold for making a superhydrophobic surface, comprising contacting a surface of a thermoplastic material with a plasma; coating the surface with a metal; and heating the thermoplastic material to shrink the surface such that the coated metal forms a texture. Also provided are methods of preparing a superhydrophobic surface, as well as a superhydrophobic surface that includes a hydrophilic portion prepared by plasma treatment.

Abstract: Provided are methods of preparing a sample for detection by placing the sample on a shrinkable scaffold and then shrinking the scaffold. An exemplary shrinkable scaffold is a thermoplastic substrate.