Nanolithography Using Protease Etching of Protein Surfaces

We present for the first time the use of a proteolytic enzyme to create nanometer-size depressions in a protein surface. This was achieved by delivering trypsin via a nanopipet, controlled with a scanning probe microscope, to a dried bovine serum albumin film. We suggest a comprehensive model, explaining the processes involved and providing ways to control the parameters governing them. Enzyme nanolithography should be useful in areas of nanobiotechnology, such as nanobiochips, nanofluidics, and lab-on-a-chip.