Micro-pattern formation of extracellular-matrix (ECM) layers (Vol. 43 No. 3)

Cell-based biochips/biosensors may advance various scientific and technological fields. For example, a neuronal network chip that simulates how our brains function, may be used to detect the cause of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's. Since living cells typically do not survive in direct contact with semiconductor surfaces, one of the major challenges for the development of cell-based biochips/biosensors is the formation of bio-interfaces that maintain living cells in an environment of microelectronics. Especially desirable is inexpensive technologies for attachment and arrangement of living cells on large areas of substrate surfaces according to one's design. In this study, we have developed a new and simple micro-patterning technique for extracellular matrices (ECMs) deposited on Si substrates by low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasmas (APPs) and a metal stencil mask. Low-temperature APPs are suitable for such patterning because of their ability to produce highly reactive species efficiently without causing thermal damages to ECMs. In this study, it is shown that, with a short-period application of APP, ECM layers of 1 cm² area deposited on Si substrates can be patterned for lines and intervals whose typical dimensions are in the range of 100 µm.