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phospholipid bilayers are formed by the self-assembly of lipids into two
opposing leaflets on a hydrophilic surface. We have developed a novel lithographic
technique to pattern artificial lipid microdomains by exploiting the limited
mobility of gel-phase phospholipids in two-component mixtures [ChemPhysChem,
in press]. The technique consists of creating either positive or negative
pattern transfers in a gel phase phospholipid bilayer resist followed by
backfilling of void spaces in the resist with vesicles containing liquid
crystalline phase fluid lipids. The resulting patterns are mechanically
stable for several days. We can specifically functionalize selected bilayer
areas with fluorescently labeled streptavidin probes with minimal nonspecific
binding. Moreover, we show that the patterned areas as well as the lateral
barriers separating them form a cohesive and continuous supported lipid
bilayer, which we will enable patterning these systems at the nanoscale,
via nanografting or nanoshaving with an AFM tip. |
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