DNA-directed printing of self-assembled nanoparticle microarrays

A Gutenberg-style nanoprinting technique that exploits electrostatic nanoparticle self-assembly and DNA-mediated replication of lithographic microstructures was developed. Printing of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from lithographic micropatterns (stamps) was successfully shown. The original micropatterns of the stamps were well replicated. The efficiency of the nanoparticle transfer was dependent on the pressure applied to the stamp and capture substrate during the printing process. High AuNP loading and high transfer yields were observed in this work. This new pattern replication technique offers an opportunity to produce functional devices with complex nanostructures at low cost.