TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Self-folding Origami Microstructures

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its self-folding origami microstructures.

Background: The design, development, and manufacturing of flexible, high-resolution 3D microstructures will expand the application space across multiple areas of research, such as high-density and high-resolution 3D versions of cuff electrodes for peripheral nerve stimulation, optogenetic probes, energy storage devices, multiscale chemical reactors, and devices for in vivo studies. This invention allows for the formation of 3D structures from existing 2D sheets.

Description: The approach involves 3D printing hinges made of Pre-Stressed Polymers (“PSP”) onto polyimide (“PI”) substrates. These hinges are then able to fold in response to externally applied stimuli, such as light. First, 2D PI devices will be microfabricated. Then, PSP infused with colored inks will be printed using Direct Ink Write (“DIW”) on the hinges of the PI devices. When exposed to light with specified wavelength, the colored inks will absorb the light, heat the PSP, which will then fold themselves and the PI sheet underneath.

Advantages/Benefits: Applicable to materials that are lithographically patternable, biocompatible, flexible, low-cost, and lightweight -> low operational and material costs Applicable to microstructures that need printable patterns inside inner cavities Benefits high-channel density implants, 3D chemical reactors, foldable microfluidic cell-culture arrays, reconfigurable electronics, actuators, & sensors, and deployable systems in defense and space.

Potential Applications: Flexible MEMS applications: reconfigurable electronics, actuators, and sensors High-density medical implants 3D chemical reactors Foldable microfluidic cell culture arrays Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL 2 LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

U.S. Patent No. 11,691,378 Bend inducible Self-Folding Origami Flexures and Microsystems published 7/4/2023 LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's self-folding origami microstructures should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's self-folding origami microstructures. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O.

Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13461