Patterning self-assembled monolayers u ing microcontact printing: a new technology for

biosensors? Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), formed upon the adsorption ofosubstituted alkanethiols n the surface of gold, allow control of the properties ofa surface on the molecular scale. Anew technique- microcontact pr int ing (pCP)- can pattern the formation of SAMs, with dimensions onthe micron scale. The convenience, low cost, and widespread application ffered by SAMs and pCP make this combination f techniques pecially suitable for producing and patterning surfaces relevant tobiosensors. A biosensor combines rwo functions: n'rolecuhr recog-nition and signal transduccionl. The fabrication of a biosensor often requires the properties o[surfaces to be tailored and pattcrned with contplex orgrnic functionel groups including, for example, ligands for protein recognition, and attachment points for proteins, PeP-tides, carbohydrates and other relevant groups. Con