Site-specific bio-functionalization of surfaces by means of metal nanostructures

We present an approach to control the immobilization process of biomolecules by functionalization of SiO₂ substrates decorated with nanostructures. The creation of specific protein permissive and protein resistant areas leads to a directed and site-specific immobilization of proteins. We make use of molecular beam epitaxy and laser assisted cluster deposition to create Au nanostructures on PEG-silanized SiO₂ substrates. The chemical contrast provided by the two materials, namely Au and PEG on the substrate surface supports the specificity of thiol-based Au functionalization for biomolecule attachment.