Single-feature inking and stamping: a versatile approach to molecular patterning.

A technique for micrometer-scale patterning of multiple functional biological molecules on surfaces is demonstrated. The technique is referred to as single-feature inking and stamping (SFINKS). It combines elements of dip-pen nanolithography and microcontact printing. "Inked" atomic force microscopy probes are used to ink individual features of an elastomer stamp. From a single stamp, we printed three different probe ssDNA with <10 mum resolution and showed that they specifically hybridize the complementary DNA labeled with different fluorophores. As a further demonstration of SFINKS' versatility, we patterned a silane onto a silicon wafer consisting of four subpatterns separated by >100 mum and composed of 2 mum lines. We discuss why patterns such as these are impractical with available techniques. Furthermore, we comment on the prospects for multiple stamping after a single inking.