Photopatterning of self assembled monolayers on oxide surfaces for the selective attachment of biomolecules

•The surface attachment of scFv antibodies to oxide surfaces can be patterned using a photo labile SAM.•Antibodies can be attached covalently or non-covalently and retain their biological activity.•Attached antibodies show excellent specificity for detection of target antigens in buffer and human serum.

The immobilization of functional biomolecules to surfaces is a critical process for the development of biosensors for disease diagnostics. In this work we report the patterned attachment of single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies to the surface of metal oxides by the photodeprotection of self-assembled monolayers, using near-UV light. The photodeprotection step alters the functionality at the surface; revealing amino groups that are utilized to bind biomolecules in the exposed regions of the substrate only. The patterned antibodies are used for the detection of specific disease biomarker proteins in buffer and in complex samples such as human serum.