Universal Printing Technique of Polydopamine onto Versatile Surfaces for High-Resolution Cell Patterning Using Wet Elastomeric Stamp

In this study, a robust and universally applicable polydopamine (PDA) contact-printing technique is demonstrated on versatile substrates such as glass, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, copper, and nitrocellulose membrane in a simple and facile manner using a wet elastomeric stamp. Evaporation of the hydration layer on the wet stamp while in contact with substrates substantially increases the patterning efficiency even without placing any weight on the stamp. The hydration layer possibly assists in reducing the mechanical stress caused during the handling of the stamp and enhances the conformal contact between the stamp and the substrate upon drying. The PDA patterning efficiency is approximately fivefold higher compared to using a dry stamp when patterned on polystyrene, and a large-scale PDA stamping of over 8.5 cm diameter is also achieved. Water contact angle measurements and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirms the successful transfer of PDA onto various surfaces. PDA patterns created on the polystyrene are used to culture endothelial cells to evaluate spatially-defined cell spreading along the defined geometries. The simple procedure and versatility of the substrates used make the introduced strategy highly suitable for creating large-scale cell micropatterning platforms and possess great potential for manufacturing antibody-immobilized lateral flow rapid diagnostic kits, without requiring expensive equipment.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a robust and universally applicable polydopamine (PDA) contact-printing technique that can be easily performed on various substrates without the need for expensive equipment. The use of a wet elastomeric stamp significantly increases the patterning efficiency, and the hydration layer formed reduces mechanical stress and enhances the contact between the stamp and the substrate.