Au-Ag template stripped pattern for scanning probe investigations of DNA arrays produced by Dip Pen Nanolithography

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel Au-Ag template stripped surface for DNA arrays created by Dip Pen Nanolithography, enabling easy detection and analysis using multiple microscopy techniques and supporting label-free DNA hybridization detection.

Contribution

The study introduces a new Au-Ag micro patterned template stripped surface that enhances retrieval and analysis of DPN-produced DNA arrays with multiple microscopy methods.

Findings

Enables easy retrieval of DPN DNA zones with optical microscopy.

Supports label-free detection of DNA hybridization.

Provides a smooth surface suitable for scanning probe investigations.

Abstract

We report on DNA arrays produced by Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) on a novel Au-Ag micro patterned template stripped surface. DNA arrays have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) showing that the patterned template stripped substrate enables easy retrieval of the DPN-functionalized zone with a standard optical microscope permitting a multi-instrument and multi-technique local detection and analysis. Moreover the smooth surface of the Au squares (abput 5-10 angstrom roughness) allows to be sensitive to the hybridization of the oligonucleotide array with label-free target DNA. Our Au-Ag substrates, combining the retrieving capabilities of the patterned surface with the smoothness of the template stripped technique, are candidates for the investigation of DPN nanostructures and for the development of label free detection methods for DNA nanoarrays based on the use of scanning probes.