A Robust Lithographic Method for Multiplex Surface Pattering

Surface engineering provides a powerful tool to create model systems to investigate the complex interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Cell adhesive peptide ligands (e.g. Arginine-Glycine-Aspatate (RGD) sequence) and carbohydrates are abundant in the ECM, and both are involved in mediating cell adhesion. However, how these interact is not well understood in vivo. Model systems to investigate their collective roles are rare. We have developed a robust surface patterning method allowing spatial control of carbohydrate (i.e. mannose) and RGD on glass while overcoming non-specific biomolecular interactions. The method effectively combines a traditional photolithographic process with two robust chemical pathways, namely click chemistry and silanization, in order to tailor the surface chemistry. This method is especially promising for the quantitative immobilization of different molecules and holds potential for the investigation of interactions between carbohydrates and common ECM proteins on cell adhesion.