NanoInk has released the NLP 2000: a desktop instrument designed to provide rapid and reproducible nano-arrays.
Patterns of nano- to micro-sized features may be created using a variety of materials, ranging from metal nanoparticles to biomolecules.
Researchers are able to rapidly design and create custom-engineered and functionalised surfaces using dip pen nanolithography (DPN) to transfer nanolitre or smaller amounts over a large, environmentally controlled area.
Operation of the NLP 2000 is claimed to offer advances over current micro-arraying systems.
It offers arrays of pens to write simultaneously over areas as large as 40mm x 40mm.
The pens will deliver a spot size over a broad dynamic range of 50nm of up to tens of microns.
Using NanoInk 's Inkwell devices, multiple materials may be deposited in one step.
The NLP 2000 will write onto a diverse range of substrates including Petri dishes and cover slips.
The use of a standard optical microscope slide is claimed to make the creation of the arrays portable to various standard detection systems.
The large format and work area also permit the use of a variety of tissue culture plastic dishes, according to the company.
The DPN-based instrument is designed to serve the increasing need for the large-area deposition of nano-arrays.
The NLP 2000 will make its debut at the Pittsburgh Conference and Exposition in Chicago on 8-13 March 2009.
