Protein adsorption and surface patterning

Surface patterning has become an important discipline of biologically oriented surface science over the past decades. Many methods have been developed that allow the formation of patterns on the micro- and nanoscale. This Opinion discusses the role of protein adsorption in patterning technologies, highlighting how it can be used as an integrated part of the patterning process, how it can be controlled by patterns with appropriate properties, and how it may lead to disruption of formed patterns if not properly accounted for. Recent examples from literature are used to emphasize some of the most interesting developments in the field, such as novel surface chemistries only allowing specific protein adsorption, directed self-sorting adsorption of proteins on patterned surfaces, and control of protein adsorption through nanopatterning.

Graphical AbstractSurface patterning has become an important tool for scrutinizing fundamental issues in protein adsorption to solid surfaces as well as for the development of new bioanalytical devices. This contribution discusses micro- and nanopatterning and how protein adsorption can be used as an integrated part of these processes. It also discusses the pitfalls and shortcomings of the introduced patterning techniques. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (29 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights►Many patterning techniques intended for biological applications use protein adsorption as an integrated part of the patterning process, but uncontrolled protein adsorption may also be detrimental to the patterns. ►Surface chemistries allowing specific adsorption of proteins while prohibiting uncontrolled adsorption have been shown to be useful for patterning applications. ►Progress has been made to create multi-protein patterns by selective adsorption, although many challenges still remain in this field. ►Patterns with dimensions on the nanoscale may lead to novel protein adsorption properties.