Stamps, inks and substrates: polymers in microcontact printing

Microcontact printing (mu CP) is a straightforward method for the preparation of micro- and nanostructured surfaces. The key element in mu CP is a polymeric stamp with a relief pattern. This stamp is inked and put in contact with the substrate surface. Ideally, the ink is transferred from stamp to substrate only in the area of contact. This review focuses on the important role of polymers in mu CP. First of all, polymers are the material of choice to make mu CP stamps. Furthermore, mu CP is a useful method for preparing microstructured polymer surfaces. Polymers can be applied as inks in mu CP so that microstructured polymer surfaces are obtained in a single printing step. Microstructured polymer surfaces can also be obtained by mu CP on polymer substrates. A wide range of inks - including polymer inks - can be patterned on polymer substrates by mu CP. In short, polymers are widely used as stamps, inks and substrates in mu CP and we have organized this review accordingly.