3D-EBP: A programmable 3D bionanoreceptor assembly

摘要

This paper presents a novel biofabrication technology utilizing electro wetting principles for localized 3-D functionalization of Tobacco mosaic viruses (TMVs) onto structurally hydrophobic micropillar arrays μPAs). A custom-built 3-D electro-bioprinting (3D-EBP) system enables exquisite control over positioning and wetting of TMV solution onto the water repellent 3-D substrate. The 3D-EBP is evaluated using SEM and fluorescent labeling for characterization of TMV's nanostructured morphology and their biochemical activities, respectively. A complete yet localized assembly of TMVs on μPAs is confirmed in SEM. The increased density of TMVs per device foot-print (vs. TMVs on planar substrate) results in a significant 7-fold increase in fluorescence intensity attributed to the μPAs. On a single μPA substrate (7×7 mm2), 3D-EBP of 3×3 hierarchical TMV arrays is demonstrated to emphasize the unique 3D patterning capability. Overall, the results confirm successful application of electrowetting principles for creating highly functional device components spanning the micro/nano/bio domains.