This invention is a high-throughput method to generate microarrays by the novel combination of aligned printing with a polymer template. The polymer is first deposited on a substrate and then pre-patterned with openings using standard lithography methods. Multiple types of desired materials may be printed with alignment over the pre-defined template, such that each printed spot is aligned with the position of an opening, or a set of openings on the template. The patterned openings mechanically constrain the deposition of material onto specific areas on the surface. After printing, the polymer template can be peeled off to reveal uniformly patterned array features, despite the imperfect morphologies of the original printed spots.

The technology can be used to generate any size, shape or density of spot patterns down to 10s of nanometers, both in wet and dry environments.

Figure 1. Optical microscopy images of inkjet printing of multiple antibodies onto substrate using a nanoscale stencil.

Potential Applications

• Micro- and nano-arrays for:
  • Molecular biology (DNA arrays, antibody arrays, etc.)
  • Biochemical sensors
  • Semiconductor manufacturing (catalyst arrays for transistors, etc.)

Advantages

• Generation of arrays with excellent uniformity of size and shape
• Rapid and simultaneous printing of multiple types of materials

File Number: 4869