Versatile functional microstructured polystyrene-based platforms for protein patterning and recognition

We report the preparation of different functional surface patterns based on the optimization of the photo-cross-linking/degradation kinetics of polystyrene (PS) upon exposure to UV-light. We employed a PS-b-PGA (polystyrene-block-poly(l-glutamic acid)) block copolymer that will, in addition to the surface pattern, provide functionality. By using short irradiation times, PS can be initially cross-linked, whereas an excess of the exposure time provokes the degradation of the material. As a result of the optimization of time of exposure, the use of an appropriate cover, or the incorporation of an appropriate amount of absorbing active species (photoinitiator), different tailor-made surface patterns can be obtained, from boxes to needles. Moreover, in addition to the surface pattern, we introduced changes on the chemical composition of the polystyrene using an amphiphilic block copolymer (for instance, we employ PS-b-PGA) that will provide functional surfaces with major advantages. In particular, the presence of carboxylic functional groups provides a unique opportunity to anchor, for instance polypeptide sequences. We describe the immobilization of polypeptide sequences in precise surface positions that allows the use of the surfaces for protein recognition purposes. The immobilization of the proteins evidence the success of the recognition and opens a new alternative for protein patterning on surfaces for many biotechnological and biomedical applications.