The latest research has achieved a breakthrough in the controlled polymerization of thiol-ene systems. By using antagonistic photoreactions that utilize different wavelengths, the curing of these systems can be precisely controlled. This method enables the production of structures with resolutions below 0.5 micrometers and opens up new possibilities in lithography and the production of microsystems.
Challenges in precise polymerization
Traditional polymerization methods reach their limits in the production of high-precision microsystems. The ability to control the curing of thiol-ene systems spatially and temporally is therefore of great importance for the development of advanced manufacturing techniques.
Innovative approach with light control
The newly developed method uses two different wavelengths of light to induce antagonistic photoreactions. One wavelength activates the polymerization, while the other inhibits the reaction. By precisely controlling these reactions, structures with extremely fine details can be produced.
New possibilities for high-precision microfabrication
This technology has the potential to significantly revolutionize the production of microsystems and lithography. It could be used in areas such as medical technology, microelectronics and materials science, where high-precision structures are required.
Reference
The research was conducted by Rita Johanna Höller and her international team and published in the article "Wavelength-orthogonal photochemical control for thiol-ene polymerization", Nature Communications, 2025, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63407-0.
