Fabrication of nanoscale bioarrays for the study of cytoskeletal protein binding interactions using nanoimprint lithography

We describe a high throughput patterning process used to create arrays of molecular-scale features for the study of cytoskeletal protein binding interactions. The process uses a shadow-evaporated metal mask to facilitate lift-off of features defined by nanoimprint lithography. This simple and robust approach alleviates difficulties in pattern transfer of ultra-small features and results in arrays of highly ordered sub-10 nm features which are then functionalized with extracellular matrix proteins. Application of these arrays is demonstrated in cell spreading assays.