Method of patterning molecules on a substrate using a micro-contact printing process

A system for producing a substrate including a pattern of molecules thereon, which molecules have retained their function and/or activity and/or native conformation, the system comprising:

• a first container including an ink-pad, molecules to be patterned, and a first solvent covering the ink-pad and the molecules, the molecules being immobilized on the ink-pad within the first solvent;
• a patterned surface onto which the molecules to be patterned are transferred and immobilized therein while keeping the molecules in the first solvent and covered by the first solvent, by bringing the ink-pad having the molecules immobilized thereon into conformal contact with the patterned surface in the first container to transfer the molecules onto the patterned surface and immobilizing the molecules on the patterned surface;
• and
• a second container including a second solvent and a substrate covered by the second solvent, the patterned surface having the molecules immobilized thereon being brought into conformal contact with the substrate within the second solvent, thereby creating a pattern of the molecules on the substrate, while keeping the molecules in the second solvent and covered by the second solvent;
• wherein the molecules to be patterned are protein molecules.