Polymeric microlenses for real-time aqueous and nonaqueous organic imaging

A simple and efficient polydimethylsiloxane microlens is made through controlling surface interactions, which can be integrated into soft lithographic systems. Lenses are created by controlling the solid-liquid interface between a droplet of liquid polydimethylsiloxane and a polymer substrate. By altering the surface characteristics, we control the contact angles of the droplet, which creates defined diameters and magnifications of these lenses. Furthermore, we demonstrate the ability to integrate these devices into culture systems enabling real-time magnified biological imaging in both aqueous and nonaqueous environments. This method has potential applications in fields including functional biomimetic microlenses, optical trapping, and endoscopy.