Controlling Cross-Pollination of Biosensing Probes in Nanoscale Multiplexed Arrays

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Multiplexed biosensing platforms demand precise probe immobilization at the nanoscale.
• Unwanted molecular transfer (cross-pollination) between probe patterns is a major challenge, reducing measurement accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and mitigate cross-pollination in multiplexed biosensing arrays fabricated using thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL).
• To establish a framework for reliable nanoscale patterning of multiple biomolecular probes, improving biosensor specificity and sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized thermal scanning probe lithography (tSPL) for sub-10 nm spatial resolution patterning.
• Systematically optimized tSPL parameters and chemical functionalization protocols, focusing on biomolecule incubation times.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the ability to reduce cross-pollination to undetectable levels (0%) through optimized processing conditions.
• Established a clear relationship between processing parameters and cross-contamination rates.

Conclusions:

• Developed a practical framework for achieving reliable nanoscale patterning of multiple biomolecular probes on a single surface.
• Enabled the creation of high-fidelity, multi-target biosensing platforms with enhanced specificity and sensitivity for various applications.