Nanoink
Dip Pen Nanolithography (DPN®) is an established method of nanofabrication based on atomic force microscopy (AFM). It enables the precise control of materials transferred from a tip to a substrate. Custom-designed nanoscale features are easily fabricated using “inks” comprised of a wide range of materials from nanoparticles and thiols to DNA and proteins. The development of new ink formulations, optimized deposition protocols and ink delivery devices has advanced DPN from a fundamental research tool to an easy-to-use nanofabrication system.
DPN 5000
The DPN 5000 is the latest member of the NSCRIPTOR™ family of nanofabrication products. It combines versatile nanopatterning capabilities with high-performance AFM imaging. Together with a complete suite of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMs) based ink delivery devices, users may begin creating their own nanostructures hours after installation.
A new, ultra-low noise scanner with closed loop flexure technology allows for accurate and repeatable nanoscale
patterning in x, y and z. A low coherence laser with small spot size ensures high quality lateral force (LFM) imaging for the improved detection of chemically patterned substrates.
Operating on an industry standard Linux® controller and with input from over one hundred users worldwide, NanoInk has developed new InkCAD™ 4.0 software for improved control of tip-based patterning. Customer partnerships have led to the development of innovative probe technologies tailored to user applications. NanoInk’s MEMs facility manufactures single probes, 1D or 2D passive and active probe arrays, ink delivery systems and substrates designed to maximize the capabilities of the NSCRIPTOR product family.
Download Datasheet 
DPN 2000
The NLP 2000 is an easy to use and affordable desktop nanofabrication system. Virtually anyone can use it. Patterns of nano to micron-sized features can be created with a wide variety of materials from metal nanoparticles to biomolecules. Researchers are able to rapidly design and create custom engineered and functionalized surfaces, using the proven technique of Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®) to transfer minute amounts of materials (easily less than nanoliters) over a large, environmentally controlled work area.
Download Datasheet | Specification | DPN 5000 | NLP 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Patterning Area | 90 x 90 um | 40 x 40 mm |
| Pattern Registration | Nanoscale | Microscale |
| X, Y Position Accuracy | 0.25 nm | 25 nm |
| Z range | 8 um | 10 mm |
| Characterization | AFM | Optical (< 1 µm) |
| Maximum sample size | 2” diameter | 6” diameter |
| Advanced CAD | Yes | No |
| Low res xy stage | Low res xy stage | NA |
| Re-inking capabilities | Manual | Automated |
| DPN 5000 | NLP 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| What can it print? | “molecular ink” – thiols (ODT, MHA) – silanes | “liquid ink” – glycerol – polymers – PEG – nanoparticles – lipids – nucleic acid – proteins |
| Multiplexing | – more difficult due to diffusive nature of molecular inks | – easy via inkwells |
| Compatible substrates | Silicon, silicon dioxide, silanized surfaces, amine functionalized slides, metals, PDMS, hydrogels, polystyrene | Silicon, silicon dioxide, silanized surfaces, amine functionalized slides, metals, PDMS, hydrogels, polystyrene |
| Comments | “Manual” re-inking capabilities means: The cantilevers are loaded once, then almost infinite printing is possible. But the inkwells used for the NLP 2000 can be used for the DPN 5000, too. The built-in AFM has got a 90 x 90 x 10 um scan range DPN 5000 is replacing the NScriptor | “Automated” re-inking means: Cantilevers can be reloaded via the inkwells. |
NSCRIPTOR™ DPN System
NanoInk’s NSCRIPTOR DPN System has been discontinued and replaced by the DPN 5000 System. However, the NSCRIPTOR DPN System and supply of all NSCRIPTOR accessories and consumables will still be supported.