Direct protein microarray fabrication using a hydrogel "stamper"

Micropatterned arrays of active proteins are vital to the next generation of high-throughput multiplexed biosensors and advanced medical diagnostics. We have developed a simple method for fabricating antibody arrays using a micromolded hydrogel "stamper" and an aminosilylated receiving surface. The stamping procedure permits direct protein deposition and micropatterning while avoiding cross-contamination of separate patterned regions. Three different antibodies were stamped in adjacent arrays of 50-80 mu m circular areas with retention of activity. I-125 labeling and atomic force microscopy studies showed that the stamper deposited protein as a submonolayer. The fluorescent signal-to-background ratio of labeled bound antigen was greater than 25:1.