Patterning of Multilayer Biointerfaces Driven by Microbubble Lithography Toward Optical Biochips
Anand Dev Ranjan1, Suyash Narayan Amzare2, Subhrokoli Ghosh3
1Department of Physics, IISER, Kolkata, India.
Advanced Biology
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Microbubble Lithography (MBL) offers a gentle, mask-free method for creating advanced biointerfaces. This technique precisely patterns biomolecules for improved biophotonics and biosensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biophotonics
Background:
- Integrating biomolecules onto surfaces is crucial for biointerfaces but challenging with traditional methods.
- Existing techniques risk biomolecular function and lack microscale precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advance Microbubble Lithography (MBL) for fabricating precise, in situ biointerfaces.
- To quantitatively understand controlled patterning of fluorescent reporters on heterostructured interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical tweezers-driven microbubbles for mask-free patterning.
- Investigated fluorescent reporters, absorbing substrates, and cross-linkers for enhanced stability and signal.
- Developed a phenomenological model to explain fluorescence patterns.
Main Results:
- Achieved controlled patterning of fluorescent reporters on a three-layer heterostructured interface.
- Optimized reporter and cross-linker concentrations for improved adherence and signal-to-noise ratios.
- Explained observed fluorescence patterns through thermophoretic depletion and peripheral enrichment at the three-phase contact line (TPCL).
Conclusions:
- Microbubble Lithography (MBL) is a versatile, mask-free technique for fabricating biomolecular architectures.
- MBL provides a chemically gentle and highly controllable route for developing optical biochip platforms.
- The developed understanding enhances MBL's utility in biophotonics and biosensing applications.
