Abstract: Versatile, efficient cell assays which can be prepared with use of nanolithography and can be used to test nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, toxins, and the like. For example, a method comprising: depositing at least one first composition comprising at least one cell adhesion material on at least one substrate to form a pattern which forms an interior space on the substrate within the pattern, depositing in the interior space on the substrate at least one second composition, different from the first, comprising at least one material adapted to affect or potentially affect cell function. Tip-based deposition and direct-write methods can be used for deposition at nanoscale and sub-cellular resolutions. Nanoscopic and atomic force microscope tips can be used. Multiplexing can be carried out.

Abstract: Methods for forming hydrogels on substrates, including patterned hydrogels. One method comprises providing at least one nanoscopic tip, coating the tip with at least one ink composition, and depositing the ink composition onto at least one substrate, wherein the ink composition comprises at least one hydrogel precursor, the hydrogel precursor adapted to form a hydrogel. The precursor can be converted to the hydrogel after patterning. The ink composition can comprise at least two polymers and can be functionalized. The amount of the polymers and the amount of functionalization can be tuned. Also provided are articles formed from the methods, methods for using the articles, ink compositions and related kits.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method in which material is deposited upon a surface from an elongated beam having an aperture defined therein through which the material is moved by passive adsorption. The elongated beam can be substantially planar along substantially its entire length, can be oriented at an acute angle with respect to the surface during deposition processes, and can have a length no greater than about 2 mm. In some embodiments, the aperture can be elongated, can extend from a material reservoir to a location short of the terminal end of the elongated beam or through the terminal end of the elongated beam, and can have a portion extending through the thickness of the elongated beam.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for the detection of a microorganism or microparticle.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting molecular interactions using arrays and near field scanning probe techniques. Also provided are methods of characterizing binding interactions under defined reaction parameters, methods of determining antibody binding specificity, methods of selecting a substrate for an array of immobilized molecules and methods of determining molecular occupancy time with respect to binding interactions.