In situ observation of the behavior of superoxide dismutase aggregates on a patterned surface via scanning probe microscopy

The spatially localized immobilization of protein molecules on high-density poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) modified Si(1 0 0) is demonstrated. Silicon dioxide patterns are formed on the surfaces by scanning probe lithography techniques, and activated with functionalized materials. The well-defined pattern surfaces were used as model substrates to study the behavior of superoxide dismutase aggregates with directly applied local stimuli. Superoxide dismutase molecules are covalently immobilized to activated regions on the PEG/Si surface. Herein, the protein patterning technique introduced is compatible with microelectronics, and may have a variety of biological applications.