Patterning proteins and cells using soft lithography

This review describes the pattering of proteins and cells using a non-photo lithographic microfabrication technology, which we call 'soft lithography' because it consists of a set of related techniques, each of which uses stam ps or channels fabricated in an elastomeric ('soft') material for pattern t ransfer. The review covers three soft lithographic techniques: microcontact printing, patterning using microfluidic channels, and laminar flow pattern ing. These soft lithographic techniques are inexpensive, are procedurally s imple, and can be used to pattern a variety of planar and non-planar substr ates. Their successful application does not require stringent regulation of the laboratory environment, and they can be used to pattern surfaces with delicate ligands. They provide control over both the surface chemistry and the cellular environment. We discuss both the procedures for patterning bas ed on these soft lithographic techniques, and their applications in biosens or technology, in tissue engineering, and for fundamental studies in cell b iology. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.