Method of Patterning Molecules on a Substrate Using a Micro-Contact Printing Process

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an improved method for patterning molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids on a substrate using micro-contact printing. The key advance is that, throughout the printing process, the molecules are kept in solvent or covered by solvent, thus maintaining their native structure and biological functionality. The absence of any drying step prevents the commonly observed denaturation of sensitive biomolecules, enabling the fabrication of molecular patterns with high precision and preserved activity. The patent also covers substrates produced by this method and a device for carrying out the process.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Fabrication of biosensors that require immobilized but functional enzymes or antibodies on micro- or nano-patterned surfaces
• Production of protein or nucleic acid microarrays for diagnostics or genomics research
• Patterning of growth factors for guiding cell growth in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Creation of surfaces for studying cell–surface and molecule–surface interactions in cell biology and fundamental research
• Development of molecular electronic devices where biological molecules must retain activity and precise orientation
• Production of lab-on-chip or microfluidic devices incorporating active biomolecule patterns

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Preserves the native structure and activity of sensitive biomolecules by preventing protein denaturation during patterning
• Enables high-resolution patterning at the micro- and nano-scale (down to 150 nm or smaller)
• Allows use of a wide range of biologically relevant molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids
• Applicable to various substrate materials, enabling versatility in device design
• Enhances reproducibility and reliability in biofunctional device fabrication
• Simplifies processing by removing the critical and potentially damaging drying step from micro-contact printing
• Enables rapid, gentle, and direct transfer of molecules, which is important for biological applications

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of patterning molecules on a substrate using a micro-contact printing process, to a substrate produced by said method and to uses of said substrate. It also relates to a device for performing the method according to the present invention.