Phospholipid patterns: Small 14/2009

The frontispiece shows that by dragging a phospholipid solution on microstructured silicon surfaces, phospholipid molecules are selectively deposited inside the microstructures to obtain regular phospholipid multilayer patterns of controlled thickness over a large scale (≈ cm2). The generated patterns are used for the preparation of giant liposomes of controlled size with a narrow size distribution, and can be of great interest for the development of novel biosensors or cell-screening procedures. The method also promises to be applicable for high-fidelity patterning of various synthetic or biological molecules, such as proteins, drugs, conductive polymers, or antibodies. For more information, please read the Full Paper “Preparation of Phospholipid Multilayer Patterns of Controlled Size and Thickness by Capillary Assembly on a Microstructured Substrate” by D. Baigl et al., beginning on page 1661.