Discrete microstructures of predefined size and shape arc prepared using sol-gel phase reversible hydrogel templatesAn aqueous solution of hydrogel-forming material is covered onto amicrofabricated silicon wafer master template having predefinedmicrofeatures, such as pillars A hydrogel template is formed, usually bylowering the temperature, and the formed hydrogel templateis peeled away from the silicon master template The wells of predefined sizeand shape on the hydrogel template are filled witha solution or a paste of a water-insoluble polymer, and the solvent is removedto form solid microstructures The microstructuresfabricated by this method exhibit pre-defined size and shape that exactlycorrespond to the microwells of the hydrogel template
