Tunable micropatterned substrates based on poly(dopamine) deposition via microcontact printing

A simple technique was developed to fabricate tunable micropatterned substrates based on mussel-inspired surface modification. Polydopamine (PDA) was developed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps and was easily imprinted to several substrates such as glass, silicon, gold, polystyrene, and poly(ethylene glycol) via microcontact printing. The imprinted PDA retained its unique reactivity and could modulate the chemical properties of micropatterns via secondary reactions, which was illustrated in this study. PDA patterns imprinted onto a cytophobic and nonfouling substrates were used to form patterns of cells or proteins. PDA imprints reacted with nucleophilic amines or thiols to conjugate molecules such as poly(ethylene glycol) for creating nonfouling area. Gold nanoparticles were immobilized onto PDA-stamped area. The reductive ability of PDA transformed silver ions to elemental metals as an electroless process of metallization. This facile and economic technique provides a powerful tool for development of a functional patterned substrate for various applications.