Bio-inspired silicification on patterned surfaces generated by microcontact printing and layer-by-layer self-assembly.

Micropatterns of silica were generated under biocompatible conditions by a combination of microcontact printing (muCP), layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly, and biomimetic silicification. Quaternary amine-containing poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) induced polycondensation of silicic acid, resulting in spatioselective formation of silica micropatterns. Scale bar: 10 microm.