Chemistry Project Abstract
DIP-PEN NANOLITHOGRAPHY OF REACTIVE ALKOXYSILANES ON GLASS FOR USE IN PROTEIN-BASED CIRCUITRY
Presenter:
Steven P. Benario, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL, 60506; sbenario@imsa.edu
Mentors:
Dr. Charles Patrick Collier, California Institute of Technology, 1200 East California Blvd, Pasadena, CA, 91125-7200; 626-395-8750; collier@caltech.edu
Dr. Hyungil Jung, California Institute of Technoloby, 4 Noyes, Chemistry Department, Pasadena, CA, 91125; 626-395-3909; hj22@caltech.edu
Abstract:
This work involves developing the means for controlling the spatial positioning and chemical coupling between fully functioning proteins. We are approaching this goal through the use of Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN) with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) in an attempt to pattern fully functional proteins like a circuit on a silicon chip. The proteins can be thought of as “switches” in analogy to an electrical circuit, and the “wires” will be formed from microfluidic channels through which molecules can flow. The activity of this circuit will be observed through the use of fluorescence imaging, down to single molecule sensitivity.
On the short term, we worked specifically on perfecting the DPN process, and confirming the viability of “drawing” biological circuits on a transparent silicon-based substrate (glass). A great deal of the research focused on accurately controlling the AFM and, using the “Nanolithography” software package, programming the microscope to draw specific patterns in the substrate. In addition, specific cleaning and drawing methods and procedures were defined and improved upon. While we have not yet produced a functional circuit, as is the final goal, success rates of “writing” on the glass are much improved, and the method and procedures for doing so successfully are being finalized.