Protocols for printing thick film ceramic libraries using the London University Search Instrument (LUSI)

Thick film combinatorial libraries can be prepared by mixing ceramic suspensions using stepper-driven syringes to control ink-jet-printing nozzles, but a more tolerant and efficient method has been devised using a simplification of the same equipment. By simplifying the printing sequence and using direct deposition from the stepper syringes, the time committed to a repetitive sequence of priming and cleaning the ink-jet printer nozzles is reduced. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) open ended tubes and commercial pipette tips are used as the printing nozzles. Calibration and corrections for the method are described. This method opens up the possibility for making ceramic libraries more rapidly with much simpler and less expensive equipment.