Selective adsorption of protein on micropatterned flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces modified by vacuum ultraviolet lithography

Protein micropattern was fabricated on the flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) surfaces modified by vacuum ultraviolet lithography (VUV). Chemical composition and topographies changes of the modified PET surfaces were characterized and analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and static water contact angle. As demonstrated in fluorescence microscope, the protein patterns were surrounded by a protein-repellant layer of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) that were faithful reproductions of the copper mesh. These results suggested that this technique can be extended to other polymeric materials and will be useful in fields where arrays of protein patterns are desired.

► Modification methods introduced here can be extended to other polymers and will be useful in protein patterns are desired. ► Selective protein adsorption was realized on the flexible PET substrates modified by VUV lithography. ► Chemical composition and topographies changes of the modified PET surfaces were characterized. ► Clear fluorescence micropatterns that are faithful reproductions of the copper mesh were obtained on the patterned PET-PEG surface.