Functionalization of polymerized 3D microstructures for biological applications

TL;DR: Protein as well as metal nanoparticle functionalization of TPP microstructures based on amine-terminated linker molecules are introduced and the primary goal of the protein coating on the structures is their further use in indirect manipulation of live cells, while the NP coating was used to achieve metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) observation.

Abstract: There is an increasing interest in functionalized complex 3D microstructures with sub micrometer features for micro- and nanotechnology applications in biology. Depending primarily on the material of the structures various methods exist to create functional layers of simple chemical groups, biological macromolecules or metal nanoparticles. Using the state of the art microfabrication technology physical objects with dimensions in the micrometer range can be easily made. Microfabrication via lithography of photosensitive materials using spatially selective light exposure is an active research field that utilizes the relatively easily achievable electromagnetic radiation as a source. Two-Photon Polymerization (TPP) is one of the suitable methods for micro-structural patterning that employs non-linear interaction that can help improve pattern resolution into sub-micrometer scale. In this thesis I explore the functionalization of 3D microstructures made my two photon polymerization and their biological application. 3D microstructures produced by TPP have the potential of using them in conjunction with optical tweezers in biological experiments for precise, localized manipulation or probing of various target objects (proteins, DNA, single cells). A key element in the effective application of these microstructures is the functionalization of their surfaces. In my thesis I introduce protein as well as metal nanoparticle (NP) functionalization of TPP microstructures based on amine-terminated linker molecules. The primary goal of the protein coating on the structures is their further use in indirect manipulation of live cells, while the NP coating was used to achieve metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) observation. In the thesis I present examples for both applications.