Microstructured field effect device
AssigneeBVW Holding AG
InventorsLukas Bluecher, Michael Milbocker
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Abstract
A microstructured device is disclosed utilizing Coulomb field modification of surface energy and electroadhesion to localize a device surface or to levitate a device surface with respect to a target surface. The surface energy modification can be permanent or reversible depending on whether the charge is externally delivered to the device or derived on the device galvanically. The microstructure aspect of the device induces various hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions with the target surface. The Coulomb field can be used to enhance or decrease the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions. In combination, the disclosed electro-microstructured device provides for localizing implants in a mammalian body, and additionally means for controlling cell interaction with the implant.
Claims20
An electro-microstructured device comprising:
- a substrate having a hierarchical microstructure disposed thereon, the substrate having a thickness;
- the hierarchical microstructure having a first microfeature, wherein the first microfeature includes a surface wherein a plurality of second microfeatures are disposed about the surface of the first microfeature;
- and
- at least one electrode capable of generating an electroadhesive state via Wenzel-Cassie wetting domains of the hierarchical microstructure, wherein the at least one electrode is connected to a charge source and configured to operate at a charge from +0.5V to −0.5V, the at least one electrode having a first portion at least partially embedded within the thickness of the substrate and a second portion at least partially embedded within an interior of the first microstructure.
An electro-microstructured device comprising:
- a substrate having a thickness, and including a hierarchical microstructure disposed thereon, wherein the hierarchical microstructure includes a layer of metallic particulates disposed thereon;
- the hierarchical microstructure having a first microfeature, the first microfeature comprising conical pillars;
- the first microfeature having a surface wherein a plurality of second microfeatures are disposed about the surface of the first microfeature;
- and
- at least one electrode, the at least one electrode at least partially embedded within the thickness of the substrate, and wherein charging the at least one electrode generates an electroadhesive state via Wenzel-Cassie wetting domains, wherein the at least one electrode is connected to a charge source and configured to operate at a charge from +0.5V to −0.5V.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.