Microcontact printing of DNA-surfactant arrays on solid substrates

We have designed a novel method for fabrication of DNA arrays based on microcontact printing of DNA-surfactants on solid substrates. DNA-surfactants were prepared by covalent attachment of a hydrophobic anchoring group to the (3′- or 5′-) end of DNA oligonucleotides. This anchoring group allows DNA-strands to be immobilised on hydrophobic surfaces by hydrophobic interactions. The microcontact printing method was adapted for aqueous "inks" containing DNA-surfactants. Special attention was paid to the wetting properties of the ink with respect to the stamp and the solid substrates. The method allows for efficient attachment of DNA strands to solid surfaces and hybridisation with complementary DNA strands. This new technology could be utilised for rapid preparation of DNA-assays and genetic biochips.