Highly scalable spray-based self-assembly platform for micro and nano surface textures
Nanoscale Labs offers a scalable nanopatterning platform that uses spray-based self-assembly of colloidal particles to create periodic micro- and nano-textures (50 nm to 50 µm) on silicone and PDMS surfaces. The technology tunes surface wetting, pinning, smear, and coefficient of friction at low cost and high speed, replacing expensive lithography tooling for large-area surface engineering.
Overview
Nanoscale Labs has developed a scalable nanomanufacturing platform that uses spray-based self-assembly of inexpensive colloidal particles to create periodic micro- and nano-textures directly on silicone and PDMS surfaces. The platform produces features from 50 nm to 50 µm over areas exceeding 100 cm² at speeds above 100 cm²/min, offering a low-cost, high-throughput alternative to nanoimprint, e-beam, and photolithographic patterning.
By precisely tuning surface geometry, the technology can engineer location-specific wetting, pinning, smear, and transfer of complex aqueous fluids, addressing the dewetting and roll-off seen on unmodified silicone. It also enables hierarchical, biomimetic textures well suited for tuning coefficient of friction, making it valuable for consumer goods, healthcare, and robotics applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Periodic micro/nano textures from 50 nm to 50 µm on silicone/PDMS
- Scalable to areas larger than 100 cm² at speeds exceeding 100 cm²/min
- Self-assembly of low-cost colloidal particles; no high-capex lithography tooling required
- Supports flat and curved substrates
- Tunes wetting behavior (advancing/receding angle, hysteresis, roll-off, smear/transfer) without chemical modification
- Hierarchical biomimetic textures enable coefficient of friction control
- Durable textures integrated into the substrate rather than temporary treatments
Technology readiness level
The platform is currently in the development and validation stage. A phased program will build a coupon matrix spanning feature size, spacing, aspect ratio, and hierarchy; fabricate and characterize test coupons for topography, wetting, and friction performance; and down-select candidates for durability testing (rub, wash, storage) and proof-of-principle scale-up. The approach builds on patented nanopatterning methods originating from research at the University of Texas at Austin and has received support from the Activate Fellowship.
About Nanoscale Labs
Nanoscale Labs is an Austin-based nanotechnology company that has developed a patented, cost-effective nanopatterning platform. Its technology utilizes self-assembly processes to create sub-micron features on both flat and curved substrates, offering a scalable alternative to traditional lithography systems and foundries. By parallelizing manufacturing, the company aims to reduce production time and costs for applications ranging from solar energy light-trapping nanocoatings to structural coloring for consumer goods. The company's interdisciplinary team, founded by CEO Gabriel Cossio, leverages expertise in physics, chemistry, and engineering to translate academic research from the University of Texas at Austin into industrial manufacturing solutions.
The company addresses critical challenges in hardtech manufacturing by providing scalable, high-throughput solutions that aim to lower barriers for industries like renewable energy, healthcare, and robotics. By focusing on affordable nanomanufacturing, Nanoscale Labs serves partners and customers seeking to integrate advanced nanostructures into their products to enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability. The venture originated from research at the Center for Dynamics and Control of Materials and has been supported by the Activate Fellowship to help bridge the gap between early-stage scientific innovation and commercial market impact.
delivered to your inbox.