Northwestern University researchers have demonstrated the ability to rapidly write nanoscale protein arrays using a “nanofountain probe” (NFP).

The nanofountain probe chip has a set of ink reservoirs that hold the solution to be patterned. Like a fountain pen, the ink is transported to sharp writing probes through a series of microchannels and deposited on the substrate in liquid form, aided by an electrical field to control the transport of protein to the substrate.

The ability to pattern nanoscale arrays of biological material assists studies of genomics, proteomics and cell adhesion, and may be applied to achieve increased sensitivity in drug screening and disease detection,