Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN) has emerged as a powerful technique for precise nanopatterning, offering unparalleled control over surface chemistry and structure at the nanoscale. In the realm of bioscience and nanotechnology, DPN holds promise for various applications, including the precise deposition of oligonucleotides – short sequences of nucleotides crucial for biological processes. This paper explores recent advancements in utilizing thermoplastic polymer substrates for DPN of oligonucleotides. Thermoplastic polymers, such as polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), offer advantages such as flexibility, tunable surface chemistry, and biocompatibility. These substrates enable precise control over oligonucleotide deposition and provide a platform for integrating DPN with other fabrication techniques. The integration of thermoplastic polymers with DPN opens up new avenues for applications in biotechnology, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Future research directions aim to refine fabrication techniques, enhance resolution and throughput, and explore novel applications in biomedicine and nanotechnology. This review highlights the potential of thermoplastic polymer-based DPN for advancing the field of oligonucleotide nanolithography and its implications for biomedical and nanotechnological innovations.
Published Date: 2024-03-31; Received Date: 2024-03-01