Modeling of Self-Assembly Dynamics of Photolithographically Patterned MUFFINS Biosensor Arrays

The ability to mass produce biosensor arrays at low costs is an important target for the diagnostics industry. Our group has previously explored the batch production of mesoscale sized hydrogels as platforms for biosensors using photolithographic techniques. The individual hydrogel features were self-assembled through lateral capillary interactions to form a closed packed configuration and the pre-polymer medium was subsequently UV-cured to form the array. To understand the self-assembly dynamics, we investigated, through simulation, the flotation behavior of two assembling particles and its dependence on physical constants such as surface tension and particle density. Simulation results revealed that the objects tilt toward each other as they came into proximity. The tilt angle decreased with increasing surface tension but increased with increasing particle density. Understanding the details of the flotation behavior is necessary in the development of a full scale self-assembly model.