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High Resolution Microprinting With an Electrospray Printer
Author(s) -
Nishioka Gary M,
Borikova Asya L,
Sokolik Charles W
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.a527
Subject(s) - electrospray , nanotechnology , materials science , photoresist , resolution (logic) , chemistry , mass spectrometry , chromatography , computer science , layer (electronics) , artificial intelligence
Microarrays of biological compounds can be generated by a photolithographic process, by ink‐jet printing, or by mechanical spotting. We explore a new method, recently introduced by Yogi and coworkers (Anal. Chem, 2001, 73, 1896) capable of high‐resolution printing based on the electrospray process. This method works by applying a “short sharp shock” to the fluid of interest; under the right conditions a single small droplet is created that is then deposited onto a nearby surface. Generally, droplets on the order of several micrometers in diameter are created by this process, leading to printed spot sizes from 2 micrometers to 40 micrometers. We describe the effect of different activating electrical waveforms on spot size and the print process. In general, a pulse that rises at 16.5 V/μs to an amplitude of 1000 V creates a single droplet within 1,000 μs. Solutions of a model enzyme, peroxidase, are printed and the activity of the recovered peroxidase measured. Significant loss in activity results after printing on most surfaces. Little to no loss in peroxidase activity is found after printing on a surface coated with polyethylene glycol. Thus, under the right conditions the electrospray printer is appropriate for printing fragile biological molecules.