(DURIP) MASSIVELY PARALLEL SCANNING PROBE SYSTEM FOR MULTISCALE WRITING AND READING
Abstract
This proposal will support the purchase of a massively parallel scanning probe lithography system for fundamental biomaterials research. In particular, the TERA-Fab E-series beam pen lithography instrument from TERA-print enables users to rapidly pattern surfaces to have designed multifunctional chemistries. In addition to directly writing materials through the coordinated action of an array of physical probes, the system includes light projection capabilities that allow each probe to drive local photochemistry for either lithography or as a platform for basic science. The addition of this system to the research ecosystem at Boston University (BU) will directly impact two DoD funded projects, catalyze new collaborations to address large scale problems of DoD-relevance, and act as a resource for DoD researchers across the half dozen major research institutes in the Boston area. In particular, this work will directly support the development of a 4D nanoprinter through an AFOSR MURI (Brown) and the rapid patterning of enzymes to study multifunctional surfaces for a project funded through the Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center (Brown). In addition, the user base of this instrument will extend through the broader BU community including researchers who will use the high resolution multicomponent patterning capabilities to build 3D cellular materials (Yang) and to study cell-surface interactions in an effort to understand the fundamental underpinnings of how cells sense and influence their chemical environment (Smith). Finally, beyond the use of this instrument as a stateof-the-art patterning tool, it will function as a platform for the development of novel massive-scale imaging tools that operate with the spatial resolution of an atomic force microscope and the field of view of an optical microscope. Taken together, this system will comprise a versatile and enabling nanotechnology platform for patterning, studying, and leveraging biomaterials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2021
- Source ID
- FA95502010361
Entities
People
- Keith A Brown
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Boston University
- United States Air Force