Double-barreled nano printing

October 31, 2005

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The ability to precisely position tiny amounts of DNA and other biological molecules is becoming increasingly important in studying diseases, finding new drugs and diagnosing illness. It is also key to the emerging practice of making nanoscale devices from biomolecules.

One challenge is figuring out how to rapidly deposit microscopic amounts of two or more substances in the same place.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London in England have addressed the problem with an electrically controlled double-barreled nanopipette that can precisely place tiny amounts of two different biomolecules onto a surface.

They demonstrated the the device's fine control by making microscopic reproductions of paintings.

The barrel openings measure as small as 140 by 100 nanometers. Electrical voltage -- one barrel positive and the other negative -- causes biomolecules to flow out of one barrel. When the voltage is reversed biomolecules flow from the second barrel. The device deposits dots of material as small as 350 nanometers in diameter, which is about 15 times smaller than a red blood cell.

The advantage of the double barrels is being able to deliver two substances to the exact same spot, without having to precisely position a second nanopipette.

The technique could be used with more than two barrels; current fabrication methods make as many as seven.

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