Micropatterning

Micropatterns of fluorescent fibronectin on glass surface

Micropatterning is the art of miniaturisation of patterns. Especially used for electronics, it has recently become a standard in biomaterials engineering and for fundamental research on cellular biology by mean of soft lithography. It generally uses photolithography methods but many techniques have been developed.[1]

In cellular biology, micropatterns can be used to control the geometry of adhesion and therefore the orientation of the cell division axis.[2]

Micropatterns can be made on a wide range of substrates, from glass to polyacrylamide and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), allowing a lot of forces-related experiments.

Aerosol micropatterning for biomaterials uses spray microscopic characteristics to obtain semi-random patterns particularly well adapted for biomaterials.

References

  1. ↑ "Comparative study and improvement of current cell micro-patterning techniques.". Lab Chip 7 (6): 672–80. Jun 2007. doi:10.1039/b618545b. PMID 17538708.
  2. ↑ http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v447/n7143/full/nature05786.html

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