A Simplified and Robust Activation Procedure of Glass Surfaces for Printing Proteins and Subcellular Micropatterning Experiments

Depositing biomolecule micropatterns on solid substrates via microcontact printing (mu CP) usually requires complex chemical substrate modifications to initially create reactive surface groups. Here, we present a simplified activation procedure for untreated solid substrates based on a commercial polymer metal ion coating (AnteoBind (TM) Biosensor reagent) that allows for direct mu CP and the strong attachment of proteins via avidity binding. In proof-of-concept experiments, we identified the optimum working concentrations of the surface coating, characterized the specificity of protein binding and demonstrated the suitability of this approach by subcellular micropatterning experiments in living cells. Altogether, this method represents a significant enhancement and simplification of existing mu CP procedures and further increases the accessibility of protein micropatterning for cell biological research questions.

Automated summary

This article introduces a simplified activation procedure for depositing biomolecule micropatterns on untreated solid substrates, allowing for direct microcontact printing and strong protein attachment via avidity binding. The specificity and suitability of this method have been demonstrated in proof-of-concept experiments, enhancing the accessibility of protein micropatterning for cell biological research.