Patterning proteins and cells using soft lithography. Biomaterials

This review describes the pattering of proteins and cells using a non-photolithographic microfabrication technology, which we call &soft lithography ' because it consists of a set of related techniques, each of which uses stamps or channels fabricated in an elastomeric (&soft') material for pattern transfer. The review covers three soft lithographic techniques: microcontact printing, patterning using micro#uidic channels, and laminar #ow patterning. These soft lithographic techniques are inexpensive, are procedurally simple, and can be used to pattern a variety of planar and non-planar substrates. Their successful application does not require stringent regulation of the laboratory environment, and they can be used to pattern surfaces with delicate ligands. They provide control over both the surface chemistry and the cellular environment. We discuss both the procedures for patterning based on these soft lithographi