Direct patterning of nanoparticles and biomolecules by liquid nanodispensing

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Science

Background:

• Nanoparticles and proteins are crucial components in nanodevices.
• Precise deposition of these nano-objects is essential for fabricating functional nanodevices.
• Existing scanning probe lithography techniques have limitations in versatility and resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the capability of the liquid nanodispensing (NADIS) technique for localized deposition of nanoparticles and proteins.
• To determine the resolution limits and control over deposition spot size using NADIS.
• To assess the functional integrity of deposited proteins after NADIS application.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the NADIS technique, employing an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) tip with a nanochannel for droplet deposition.
• Varied nanochannel diameter to control deposition spot size, ranging from microns to sub-50 nm.
• Deposited visible fluorescent proteins and assessed their structural integrity and function via fluorescence retention.

Main Results:

• Achieved controllable spot sizes from microns down to sub-50 nm, independent of solute chemistry.
• Demonstrated reproducible deposition of large arrays of single or paired nanoparticles.
• Confirmed that fluorescent proteins retained their function and structural integrity after NADIS deposition.

Conclusions:

• NADIS is a high-resolution direct writing technique for nanoparticles and biomolecules.
• The method offers precise control over deposition size and maintains the functionality of deposited biomolecules.
• NADIS presents a versatile alternative to other scanning probe lithography techniques for nanodevice fabrication.