Due to the inherent planarity of conventional micro and nanofabrication, it is challenging to pattern and assemble micro, bio, and nano-materials and devices in all three dimensions. Origami inspired mechanical assembly by curving, bending, and folding of appropriately designed micro and nanopatterned precursors provides a high-throughput solution to address this challenge.
In this talk, I will discuss how the engineering of thin film differential-stress, capillary forces, and swelling can be used to mechanically shape materials and devices in 3D. I will discuss geometric design principles, mechanics considerations, fabrication processes, and applications of 3D micro, bio and nanosystems that have been assembled by curving, bending, and folding. Examples include capillary-force assisted self-folding of micro/nanoscale polyhedra with lithographically patterned surfaces, thermoresponsive bending and folding of atomically thin materials such as graphene and MoS2, optical and electrical shell sensors assembled using differential stress and thermobiochemically stimuli responsive shape-shifting hydrogels and microgrippers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and surgery.