Microreplication and design of biological architectures using dynamic-mask multiphoton lithography

A strategy for rapidly printing three-dimensional (3D) microscopic replicas using multiphoton lithography directed by a dynamic electronic mask is reported, Morphological descriptions of 3D structures are encoded as stacks of 2D slices created from tomographic and computer-designed instruction sets. In this manner, digital images serve as input for a sequence of reflective photomasks on a digital micromirror device to direct replication of a structure. By scanning a laser focus across the face of the intrinsically aligned masks, tomographic and computed data can be translated into protein-based 3D reproductions with submicrometer feature sizes within 1 min. This straightforward and highly versatile approach may provide improved routes for the development of 3D cellular scaffolds, rapid prototyping of microanalytical devices, and production of custom tissue replacements. © 2009 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.