Imagine a network of tiny canals so small that they can single-handedly stretch a coiled DNA molecule or filter ions with ultimate precision.
Explore Nano-ChannelsIn nano-channels, surface forces dominate, enabling ultra-selective ion filters and controlled molecular transport 8 .
DNA stretches to its full length in nano-channels, enabling advanced genetic analysis and medical diagnostics 1 .
When the size of a channel approaches the size of molecules and the forces between them, remarkable things happen. The surface area becomes enormous compared to the volume of fluid inside, leading to dominant surface forces that can completely control ion transport 8 .
| Fabrication Method | Typical Minimum Dimension | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electron Beam Lithography | < 10 nm | High precision, flexibility | Slow, expensive |
| Nanoimprint Lithography | ~20 nm | High-throughput, low cost | Mold wear, defect management |
| Wet-Etching & Filling | ~30 nm | Simple, PCB-compatible, low cost | Limited to low-aspect-ratio channels |
A landmark experiment demonstrating a remarkably simple method for fabricating polymer optical wires on a copper plate 5 .
Start with a solid copper substrate
Use FeCl₂ to create micro-channels
Apply UV-curable cladding layer
Fill with higher refractive index polymer
| Material / Reagent | Function in Nano-Fabrication | Key Properties & Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Elastomeric Polymers | Flexible substrate for nano-channels; used in casting/soft lithography | Low Young's modulus, gas permeability; PDMS 1 |
| Thermoplastic Polymers | Rigid substrate; used in hot embossing and injection molding | High Young's modulus, diverse chemistries; PMMA, PC, COC 1 |
| UV-Curable Polymers | Core and cladding material for optical nano-wires; adhesive for bonding | Fast curing, tunable refractive index; optical resins 5 |
| Metal Etchants (e.g., FeCl₂) | Isotropically etch metal substrates to create master molds for channels | Controlled etch rate, compatibility with photoresist 5 |
| Oxygen Plasma | Activate polymer surfaces for irreversible bonding; modify surface wettability | Creates silanol groups on PDMS for sealing 8 |
Pattern definition on substrate
Channel formation in master mold
Coating or molding with polymer
Final device assembly and sealing
The journey into the world of polymer plane nano-channel production is a story of human ingenuity—of learning to manipulate matter at an almost unimaginable scale to harness unique physical phenomena.
Sensors that can detect diseases from a single molecule of DNA 6 .
Release therapeutics with pinpoint accuracy 9 .
As fabrication techniques continue to evolve, becoming cheaper and more reliable, the integration of nano-fluidic devices into our everyday lives seems inevitable. The invisible highway of the nano-channel, once a scientific curiosity, is fast becoming the foundation for the next technological revolution.