Micron- and Submicron-Patterning of Polydiacetylene Supramolecules using Micromolding in Capillaries

Abstract

Micron- and submicron-sized polydiacetylene (PDA) vesicle patterns on titanium substrates were successfully fabricated by using a micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC) technique. The shape and width of the PDA patterns are well matched with PDMS molds used in the MIMIC process. However, the thicknesses of the patterned films are less than the depths of the PDMS molds, which may be a consequence of the poor water wettability of the PDMS and/or low concentrations of the PDA solutions. Heat-treatment of the solid substrate, immobilized with blue-phase PDAs, induces a blue-to-red-phase transition and results in the formation of patterned fluorescence images. This investigation has led to the development of a new strategy for the fabrication of conjugated polymer patterns on solid substrates. When combined with the novel optical properties of polydiacetylenes, this methodology should enhance the versatility of conjugated polymers in sensor and optical applications.