Our aim is to create a spider-net shaped hydrogel which can change its size dynamically, but what specific method should we use? This time we have decided to adopt the techniques of microfluidic devices. Microdevices are the devices which utilize microfabrication techniques such as Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and make minute fluid ways or reaction containers which can be applied to biotechnology research and applied chemistry research. Microdevices have gathered much attention recently.
The device we designed is shown below.
Figure. Spider-web Channel
The photomask of this device consists of two regions: an approximately 100 µm channel which is shaped like a spider web in one-stroke, and a region which can put two input nozzles for adding strands. The spider-net template can be made on a silicon wafer by irradiating light through the photomask. The device can be made when polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) poured into the template is hardened by heat.
After the device is made, we link nozzles to syringe pumps which also are linked to a tube containing st1, st3 and l1 or a tube containing st2, st4 and l1. The strands will go inside the minute channel from the nozzles. The strands inside the spider-web device can form gels which can swell and shrink. The mechanism of spider-web gel forming and changing size should be as same as that of normal gel, written in the other “Design/ Gel Swelling & Shrinking mechanism” section.
Therefore, if we are able to make this microdevice, we can make a spider-web gel that can in theory swell and shrink.