Liposome micropatterning based on laser-induced forward transfer

Abstract

The numerous properties of liposomes, i.e., non- toxicity, biodegradability, and their ability to encapsulate different biological active substances in aqueous and lipid phase, make them perfect models of biomembranes. Lipo- somes made up of phospholipids may be used to study new applications such as cell targeting or, under specific experi- mental conditions, may be applied in micro and nano-sized biosensors. This study demonstrates the capability of direct laser printing of liposomes in micron-scale patterns for the real- ization of biosensors or drug delivery systems. The transfer experiments were carried out onto ordinary glass substrates, and optical microscopy images reveal that well-defined patterns without splashes can be obtained for a narrow range of laser transfer fluences using 193 nm irra- diation and an intermediate triazene polymer. The triazene polymer with different thicknesses was used as sacrificial layer with the purpose of protecting the liposome solution