The fabrication of tubular microstructures has been successfully use in a range of applications including optofluidics, bio-sensing, catalytic microjet engines, magnetic sensors and 3D cell microreactors; however, the diameter scalability, hybrid functionalization, and long-term biocompatibility has not been investigated yet for rolled-up glass microtubes. In this hot paper large arrays of transparent, biocompatible SiO/SiO2 microtubes are fabricated by rolling up nanomembranes followed by etching to release the deposited layers. The outer tubular diameter is systematically studied and the roll-up parameters have been optimized to achieve a yield of nearly 100%. Samuel Sanchez and colleagues also demonstrate that these microtubes can be used in a range of applications.
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