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: A method for manufacturing microneedle devices and systems and tools for implementing same. The method can include manufacturing a replica mold and forming a microneedle array via the replica mold. The replica mold can be manufactured by disposing replica mold material on a master mold and curing the replica mold material. To reduce manufacturing time, the replica mold material preferably is cured at a high temperature for a relatively short time and then cooled quickly before removal from the master mold. The microneedle array can be formed by disposing microneedle material on the replica mold under vacuum and drying the microneedle material in single or successive disposing and drying operations. One or more optional backing layers can be added to the microneedle array when forming the microneedle device. Advantageously, the disclosed methods, systems and tools can be used to manufacture skin-applied patches for delivering cosmetic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle devices and systems and tools for implementing same. The method can include manufacturing a replica mold and forming a microneedle array via the replica mold. The replica mold can be manufactured by disposing replica mold material on a master mold and curing the replica mold material. To reduce manufacturing time, the replica mold material preferably is cured at a high temperature for a relatively short time and then cooled quickly before removal from the master mold. The microneedle array can be formed by disposing microneedle material on the replica mold under vacuum and drying the microneedle material in single or successive disposing and drying operations. One or more optional backing layers can be added to the microneedle array when forming the microneedle device. Advantageously, the disclosed methods, systems and tools can be used to manufacture skin-applied patches for delivering cosmetic and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle devices and systems and tools for implementing same. The method can include manufacturing a replica mold and forming a microneedle array via the replica mold. The replica mold can be manufactured by disposing replica mold material on a master mold and curing the replica mold material. To reduce manufacturing time, the replica mold material preferably is cured at a high temperature for a relatively short time and then cooled quickly before removal from the master mold. The microneedle array can be formed by disposing microneedle material on the replica mold under vacuum and drying the microneedle material in single or successive disposing and drying operations. One or more optional backing layers can be added to the microneedle array when forming the microneedle device. Advantageously, the disclosed methods, systems and tools can be used to manufacture skin-applied patches for delivering cosmetic and therapeutic agents.

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.