Microfabrication and Self-Assembly of 3D Microboxes for Biomedical Applications

This paper reports a novel method for fabricating three dimensional (3D) metallic micropatterned boxes by self-assembly of two dimensional (2D) precursors. A 3D micropatterned device has several advantages over its two dimensional (2D) counterpart—a larger surface area to volume ratio, thereby maximizing interactions with the surrounding medium and providing space to mount different electromechanical modules, and a finite volume allowing encapsulation of functional elements. The microboxes can be constructed in different sizes with perforations on either one or on all faces. We demonstrate encapsulation of gels and polymers within the boxes, and release of chemicals by heating. We envision the use of these boxes in cellular encapsulation and remote release of drugs and biological media in-vitro and in-vivo.