Biomolecules, Biomaterials & Biointerfaces

Image of four DPN-patterned proteins, each tagged with a unique fluorophore

Overview

NanoInk’s Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®) technology is a direct write, tip based lithography technique that does not subject biological materials to destructive forces (such as compression, shear, harsh vacuum, or UV light) which might alter their structure and function. As such, DPN is ideal for printing proteins, DNA/RNA, aptamers, lipids, additional biopolymers and biocompatible polymers at micron and sub-micron scales. With the precision of DPN, these sub-cellular scaled features can be deposited at defined locations in a controlled and consistent manner. This allows for creation of scaffolds for in vitro cell culture studies or tissue engineering work.

Problem, Challenges & Un-Met Needs

Unlike DPN, most conventional deposition techniques are unable to pattern biomolecules, biopolymers or biocompatible polymers at biologically significant scales and dimensions. Many patterning platforms are limited in the sorts of material they can print and the ability to precisely pattern existing topographies. With this hindrance, traditional platforms experience difficulty when trying to conduct combinatorial studies that mimic physical and chemical cues, but DPN has proven to be a valuable tool for this type of work.

AFM image of DPN-deposited PEG hydrogel nanostructures

Benefits of DPN

Flexible patterning: deposit a wide range of materials onto surfaces that have regular, pre-fabricated topographies
Rapid design, iteration and fabrication of biointerfaces: pattern various biomolecules and biomaterials
Quick and easy mimicry of natural structures (in terms of form and function): create multi-level, multi-component patterns by printing in layers, with each new layer registered prior to successive layer deposition
Biocompatible patterning: preserve structural integrity and function of deposited biomaterials
Multiplexed deposition capabilities: print many biomaterials simultaneously
Large-area patterning: print biomaterials over a 4 cm x 4 cm square area

Applications

The NanoInk DPN platform is ideal for:

Biomolecular patterning applications that involve deposition of proteins, DNA, RNA, aptamers, and lipids
Biomaterial patterning applications involving hydrogels and other biocompatible polymers
Medical device functionalization
Tissue engineering applications

Application Notes

Multiplexed Protein Arrays
Patterning Functional Hydrogels
Bioconjugation on Functional Hydrogels

Publications/References

Modifying network chemistry in thiol-acrylate photopolymers through postpolymerization functionalization to control cell-material interactions. Rydholm, Amber E., et al. 1, July 2007, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, Vol. 86, pp. 23-30