Patterned delivery of immunoglobulins to surfaces using microfluidic networks

Abstract

Microfluidic networks (microFNs) were used to pattern biomolecules with high resolution on a variety of substrates (gold, glass, or polystyrene). Elastomeric microFNs localized chemical reactions between the biomolecules and the surface, requiring only microliters of reagent to cover square millimeter-sized areas. The networks were designed to ensure stability and filling of the microFN and allowed a homogeneous distribution and robust attachment of material to the substrate along the conduits in the microFN. Immunoglobulins patterned on substrates by means of microFNs remained strictly confined to areas enclosed by the network with submicron resolution and were viable for subsequent use in assays. The approach is simple and general enough to suggest a practical way to incorporate biological material on technological substrates.