Scanning force microscopy of protein patterns

Abstract

The development of microminiaturized biosensors requires techniques for immobilizing biomolecules on solid substrates, in an ordered fashion, and techniques for the subsequent visualization of these patterns. Scanning force microscopy (SFM) is a useful technique for visualizing ordered patterns, but it requires suitable substrates and attachment techniques. Here we present a photolithographic method which gives ordered patterns of biomolecules. Both SFM topographic and lateral force images of these patterns are shown and discussed.