Realization of three dimensional microscale shapes inspired in nature

Abstract: In recent years, microscale shapes found in nature have been studied due to their interesting functions such as high adhesion of an octopus, liquid repellency of leaves, anti-reflectivity of eyes, etc. Many research groups have realized microscale structures by using the microfabrication method such as photolithography. Due to the limitation of photolithography, it is difficult to realize three-dimensional (3D) shapes, which is typical in nature. In this presentation, we introduce approaches to realize microscale 3D shapes by the combination of conventional lithography and the mechanical deformation or capillary forces. The 3D shapes showed the directional adhesion, oil repellency, and stress releasing functions.