Protein patterning by parylene-C peel-off process

Abstract

This paper introduces a new technique for patterning functionalization layers on substrates with hightopogra phy. The method is based on a parylene-C template shaped by a structured, sacrificial photoresist layer and attached to the substrate where functionalization is not intended. After photoresist removal and surface function ali za tion, the parylene layer is peeled off, leaving all areas initially covered by the sacrificial polymer functionalized. The technique has several advantages: （i） In contrast to microcontact printing, it allows surfaces with complex topographies to be functionalized; （ii） complex function al ization patterns are possible; （iii） the parylene structure can be reutilized. We successfully demonstrate the technique with the guided growth of neuron-like PC12 cells on honeycomb-shaped protein patterns on micro pillars and microwells. The range and limits of the technique are analyzed and discussed in detail.