Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Abstract

Surface Modification of Thermoplastic Polymers for Oligonucleotide Dip-Pen Nanolithography

Rahman Zhou*

Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN) has revolutionized the precise patterning of biomolecules at the nanoscale, offering unprecedented opportunities in biotechnology and nanomedicine. However, the application of DPN on thermoplastic polymer surfaces has been hindered by challenges such as poor wetting properties and inefficient ink transfer. Surface modification techniques have emerged as a promising solution to enhance the compatibility of thermoplastic polymers with DPN, enabling precise deposition of oligonucleotides for various biotechnological applications. This review provides an overview of surface modification strategies tailored for thermoplastic polymer substrates, including chemical functionalization, physical modification, and the use of self-assembled monolayers and polymer brushes. Furthermore, we discuss the applications of oligonucleotide DPN on surface-modified thermoplastic polymers, such as DNA microarray fabrication, biosensing, and single-molecule studies. Challenges and future perspectives in optimizing surface modification strategies and advancing oligonucleotide DPN on thermoplastic polymer surfaces are also highlighted. Overall, surface modification of thermoplastic polymers holds great promise for expanding the capabilities of DPN, paving the way for new discoveries in biotechnology and nanomedicine.

Published Date: 2024-01-30; Received Date: 2024-01-02