Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to nanometric biomolecular arrays and to a novel approaches for the preparation of such nanoarrays, based on binding of biomolecules, such as avidin, to templates generated by lithographically-anodizing biocompatible ultrathin films on silicon substrates using AFM anodization lithography. The present invention is also directed to methods of using such arrays.

Abstract: A sensor that includes a) a silicon (Si) substrate having a surface; and b) a monolayer of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) bonded to the surface via silicon-carbon bonds. Regions of the OEG monolayer distal to the surface are functionalized with a molecular probe serving as a recognition element for a bioanalyte. A method of making a silicon surface that recognizes a biological specimen includes 1) hydrosilylating with a mixture that includes an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and capped at the opposing end of the OEG and an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and an alkyne having a protecting group at the opposing end of the OEG and 2) removing the protecting group from the alkyne; and 3) reacting the alkyne with a reagent in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.

Abstract: Thin and short cantilevers possess both a low force constant and a high resonance frequency, thus are highly desirable for atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging and force measurement. According to some embodiments, the invention provides small silicon (Si) cantilevers integrated with a Si tip, for example fabricated from SOI wafers that are used for reducing the variation of thickness of the cantilevers. In one example, the fabrication process provided SOI chips containing 40 silicon cantilevers integrating with an ultra-sharp Si tip. The resolution of images obtained with these tips was much higher than those obtained with the commercial tips, while the force constants were much less, that is, more suitable for imaging soft samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a practical method of grafting oligo- and/or poly(ethyleneglycol) (OEG and/or PEG) derivatives onto hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces, including the surfaces of silicon scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tips, by hydrosilylation of OEG and/or PEG-terminated alkenes. This invention is related to the development of silicon-based bio-devices, including biochips, biosensors such as SPM probes, microarrays, micro-fluidic systems, and implantable microdevices. This invention is also a practical method to modify (many) SPM probe tips with OEG/PEG derivatives and to subsequently modify the tip apex with functional single molecules to improve the specificity and resolution of AFM imaging and measurements. The functional molecules include the dendritic adsorbates with a functional group at their focal point and with or without a tripod-shaped framework.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a practical method of grafting oligo- and/or poly(ethyleneglycol) (OEG and/or PEG) derivatives onto hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces, including the surfaces of silicon scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tips, by hydrosilylation of OEG and/or PEG-terminated alkenes. This invention is related to the development of silicon-based bio-devices, including biochips, biosensors such as SPM probes, microarrays, micro-fluidic systems, and implantable microdevices. This invention is also a practical method to modify (many) SPM probe tips with OEG/PEG derivatives and to subsequently modify the tip apex with functional single molecules to improve the specificity and resolution of AFM imaging and measurements. The functional molecules include the dendritic adsorbates with a functional group at their focal point and with or without a tripod-shaped framework.