Towards nanowriting on plastics: dip-pen nanolithography of acrylamido-functionalized oligonucleotides on polystyrene

Model high density DNA arrays have been realized by direct deposition with Dip-Pen Nanolithography of acrylamido-functionalized oligonucleotides (23-mer) on spin-coated, flat polystyrene surfaces. A highly specific interaction between the acrylamide end functionality and polystyrene was found. The surface morphology of the model array was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Spots are clearly seen both in topography and demodulation modes. The array withstands the hybridization process with label free, complementary oligonucleotides and the following cleaning procedures. The final AFM characterization showed significant changes especially in demodulation images which may be an indication that molecular recognition between complementary oligos has occurred.