FakirSlide rely on a newly-developed method based on soft nanoimprint lithography on sol-gel thin films. This bottom-up approach allows the reproducible patterning of ordered arrays of nanopillars with different diameters and heights on glass subtrates. 

By providing ready-to-use coverslips, FakirSlide opens up the applications of bottom-up lithographic procedures to researchers, that were so far constrained due to the requirement of complicated and limited-access technology. 

The use of soft nanoimprint lithography on sol-gel thin films, the production technique used for the Fakirslides, allows the formation of a wide variety of structure sizes and shapes that cannot be achieved using the focused ion beam technique (for example the nano-cones). 

Moreover, it allows to create much larger structured surface areas (1 cm2 per coverslip) compared to what is usually achieved using focused ion beam methods. 

The structures obtained on the Fakirslides are also perfectly repeatable, from one structure to another but also from one coverslip to another. Structure reproducibility can be challenging with the focused ion beam technique. 

Finally, focused ion beam methods often require access to sophisticated platforms, expertise or imply finding collaborations. The Fakirslides were designed to provide a ready-to-use solution, so that you can start your work right-away and spend your time for what really matters.  

Made of borosilicate glass, the FakirSlide coverslips are the substrates of choice for super-resolution microscopy applications. They are compatible with advanced microscopy experiments without a risk of compromising the quality of imaging across nanopillar surfaces due to refractive index mismatching. 

Using a glass-based substrate also offers more rigid structures (Young's modulus ~64 GPa), providing increased control over cellular membrane bending and improved overall solidity. 

Finally, the application of soft nanoimprint lithography provides access to a wide panel of micro- to nano-structures with various aspect ratios, which fabrication was previously constrained due to the requirement of complicated and limited-access technology.

We have developed a wide panel of micro- and nano-structures for both cellular and isolated membrane applications. Here is a short overview of each design specificities and some use cases. 

Square pillars, Small & Large round pillars, Large nano-domes:

These patterns have been commonly used to induce controlled membrane deformations in cellulo (i.e. with live cells).

They are particularly useful to study cellular response to specific mechanical cues associated with membrane topologies: cytoskeletal organization, recruitment and/or disassembly of membrane-associated proteins or proteins holding a curvature sensing domain, or cell migration.

Earlier studies using FakirSlide have shown that structural arrangement of proteins at the cell surface is imposed by the morphology and periodicity of the substrates. Therefore, combining several designs in a single kit will allow you to investigate the precise effects of nanostructure size and/or shape on cellular responses. Example of relevant design combinations include:

• A “shape” exploratory pack: Square nanopillars + Small round pillars + Small nanodomes

Check out this publication showing isotropic organization of AP-2 protein and clathrin around small round pillars and a remarkable anisotropic arrangement on square pillars.

• A “size” exploratory pack: Small round nanopillars + Large round nanopillars

Check out this publication showing how the round pillar size differentially influences the distribution of the surface receptor TfR as well as the recruitment of endocytic F-BAR protein FCHo2.

Alternatively, given the coverslip design, it is possible to include a flat control surface as a non-structured control area in parallel to your nanostructured area. This can be an interesting option to assess the impact of a single nanostructure pattern. 

Check out our Results section to discover how nanostructured surfaces support membrane projections during the migration of dendritic cells.

Small nanodomes & nanocones: smaller in size, these structures are particularly recommended for inducing curvatures on isolated membranes. In addition, the smooth edges of the nanodomes make them a substrate of choice for AFM microscopy.

Check out this publication showing the use of FakirSlide small nano-domes to study the docking & self-organization of the endocytic F-BAR protein FCHo2 on curved membranes. In this study, small nano-domes were used to reproduce the dome-like invagination that is a major step in the formation of clathrin-coated structures.

Check out this publication showing the use of FakirSlide small nano-cones to investigate the curvature-associated localizations of septin complexes on plasma membranes using reconstituted systems. 

The FakirSlide nanostructured substrates have be used to manipulate the shape of cellular membranes and obtain unprecedented outputs including, amongst others: 

•  3D super-resolution imaging of topography-induced self-organization of key proteins implicated in endocytosis and cellular architecture
• High-resolution live imaging of endocytic events on genetically modified cells
• Direct quantification of local membrane mechanics by using fluorescent membrane tension sensors
• Investigating organization of purified proteins on isolated membranes (in vitro)

For more detailed examples of FakirSlide uses, check out example results and full publications in our dedicated sections. 

The FakirSlide coverslips are made of borosilicate glass, and are therefore perfectly compatible with any kind of advanced microscopy including confocal microscopy, Airyscan microscopy, TIRF, 2D and 3D STED, PALM/STORM, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).  

Yes, the FakirSlide coverslips can be coated with the adhesive protein of your choice for cellular applications just like other commercial glass surfaces. 

If a hydroxylating treatment is needed to immobilize specific molecules at the surface, we recommend gentle hydroxylation methods to minimize impact on the surface structure (i.e. thermal treatment, plasma treatment or UV/ozone treatment).

Yes, the Fakirslides can be used to make supported lipid bilayers without the need for cleaning or hydroxylating pre-treatments. Indeed, the structured surface layer is made of a synthetic silica material which structuration method involves a pirhana bath treatment and is performed in a clean-room facility. The resulting surface can be used directly for supported lipid bilayer applications, and shows similar performances in terms of lipid bilayer formation compared to pirhana-treated standard commercial coverslips.  

If an additional treatment is needed to immobilize specific molecules at the surface, we recommend avoiding aggressive solutions (i.e. piranha, strong acids or polar solvents) to minimize the risk of altering the nanostructures. 

FakirSlide rely on a newly-developed method based on soft nanoimprint lithography on sol-gel thin films. This technique allows the reproducible patterning of ordered arrays of nanopillars with different diameters and heights on glass subtrates. By providing ready-to-use coverslips, FakirSlide opens up the applications of top-down lithographic procedures to researchers, that were so far constrained due to the requirement of complicated and limited-access technology. 

Made of borosilicate glass, the FakirSlide coverslips are the substrates of choice for super-resolution microscopy applications. They are compatible with advanced microscopy experiments without a risk of compromising the quality of imaging across nanopillar surfaces due to refractive index mismatching. 

Using a glass-based substrate also offers more rigid structures (Young's modulus ~64 GPa), providing increased control over cellular membrane bending and improved overall solidity. 

Finally, the application of soft nanoimprint lithography provides access to a wide panel of micro- to nano-structures with various aspect ratios, which fabrication was previously constrained due to the requirement of complicated and limited-access technology.