Orthogonal Patterning of Multiple Biomolecules Using an Organic Fluorinated Resist and Imprint Lithography

The ability to spatially deposit multiple biomolecules onto a single surface with high-resolution while retaining biomolecule stability and integrity is critical to the development of micro- and nanoscale bio-devices. While conventional lithographic patterning methods are attractive for this application, they typically require the use of UV exposure and/or harsh solvents and imaging materials, which may be damaging to fragile biomolecules. Here, we report the development of a new patterning process based on a fluorinated patterning material that is soluble in hydrofluoroether solvents, which we show to be benign to biomolecules, including proteins and DNA. We demonstrate the implementation of these materials into an orthogonal processing system for patterning multi-biomolecule arrays by imprint lithography at room temperature. We further showcase this method’s capacity for fabricating patterns of receptor-specific ligands for fundamental cell studies.