Photolithographic Immobilization of Biopolymers on Solid Supports

The new technique of site-specific immobilization of biomolecules, for example antibodies, may contribute to the development of biosensors and ligand-binding assays. (The key step is shown schematically here.) A benzophenone-derivatized surface is treated with a solution of the antibody (Ig) and then irradiated through a mask with a checkerboard pattern of transparent and opaque fields. The Ig molecules are bound covalently only in areas which were exposed to light. This was proved by epifluorescence microscopy after the surface was washed free of unbound Ig.