Direct rapid prototyping of PDMS from a photomask film for micropatterning of biomolecules and cells.

Abstract

The soft lithographic technique is a collection of simple and cost-effective patterning techniques which applies an elastomeric stamp to transfer a nano/micro-scale pattern. Patterning biological materials using soft lithography provides procedurally simple control of the surface chemistry and the cell environments. However, conventional methods for generating microstructures on a substrate require expensive clean room facilities and skillful training. Here we report a simple and inexpensive clean-room free process using a conventional photomask film as a master to fabricate elastomeric stamps or microfluidic channels. This ultra rapid prototyping technique was applied to print FITC labeled poly-L-lysine with a 10 microm feature size on a glass substrate using soft lithographic processes, such as micro-contact printing and micromolding in capillaries, for patterning human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, human skin fibroblasts and hippocampal neurons from E-18 Sprague-Dawley rat. This novel technique using a photomask film as a master would be very useful 'hands-on' tool for the generation of micro-patterned chemical or biological assays using cells and proteins.

• Authors: Hyundoo Hwang, Gyumin Kang, Ju Hun Yeon, Yoonkey Nam, Je-Kyun Park
• Journal: Lab on a chip (Lab Chip) Vol. 9 Issue 1 Pg. 167-70 (Jan 07 2009) ISSN: 1473-0197 [Print] England
• PMID: 19209351 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dimethylpolysiloxanes
• baysilon

Topics

• Animals
• Dimethylpolysiloxanes (chemistry)
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley