Microcontact printing of biomolecules on various polymeric substrates: limitations and applicability for fluorescence microscopy and subcellular micropatterning assays
Sprache des Titels:
Englisch
Original Kurzfassung:
Polymeric materials play an emerging role in biosensing interfaces. Within this regard, polymers can serve as a
superior surface for binding and printing of biomolecules. In this study, we characterized 11 different polymer foils [cyclic olefin
polymer (COP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), DI-Acetate, Lumirror 4001, Melinex 506,
Melinex ST 504, polyamide 6, polyethersulfone, polyether ether ketone, and polyimide] to test for the applicability for surface
functionalization, biomolecule micropatterning, and fluorescence microscopy approaches. Pristine polymer foils were characterized
via UV?vis spectroscopy. Functional groups were introduced by plasma activation and epoxysilane-coating. Polymer modification
was evaluated by water contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Protein micropatterns were fabricated
using microcontact printing. Functionalized substrates were characterized via fluorescence contrast measurements using
epifluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Results showed that all polymer substrates could be
chemically modified with epoxide functional groups, as indicated by reduced water contact angles compared to untreated surfaces.
However, transmission and refractive index measurements revealed differences in important optical parameters, which was further
proved by fluorescence contrast measurements of printed biomolecules. COC, COP, and PMMA were identified as the most
promising alternatives to commonly used glass coverslips, which also showed superior applicability in subcellular micropatterning
experiments.
KEYWORDS: subcellular micropatterning, polymeric biointerfaces, protein?protein-interaction, microcontact printing,
fluorescence microscopy, surface modification