Summarizing the latest trends and the current state of this research field, this up-to-date book discusses in detail techniques to perform localized alterations on surfaces with great flexibility, including microfluidic probes, multifunctional nanopipettes and various surface patterning techniques, such as dip pen nanolithography. These techniques are also put in perspective in terms of applications and how they can be transformative of numerous (bio)chemical processes involving surfaces.
The editors are from IBM Zurich, the pioneers and pacesetters in the field at the forefront of research in this new and rapidly expanding area.


Emmanuel Delamarche studied chemistry in Toulouse, France, and joined IBM Research in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1992 for his PhD in biochemistry with an academic affiliation to the University of Zurich. He then worked on surface patterning techniques involving scanning probe methods, self-assembled monolayers, soft lithography, and microfluidics.
Currently, he leads a research group at IBM Research on 'precision diagnostics' with the goal of solving medical problems using microfluidics, micro- and nanotechnology and collaborations with biological and medical experts.
Dr. Delamarche has authored more than 120 scientific publications and has received numerous awards, including the Werner Prize from the Swiss Chemical Society in 2006.

Govind Kaigala obtained his PhD from the University of Alberta, Canada, in 2008. After a postdoctoral stay at Stanford University, USA, he moved to IBM Research in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010. His research interests include micro/nano-bio-systems and assays for microchip-based chemical and biomolecular analysis.
He is currently leading activities on liquid-based non-contact scanning technologies - microfluidic probe - and is championing concepts on 'microfluidics in the open space' and 'tissue microprocessing'. These research activities are driven by specific needs in the fields of pathology and personalized medicine.
Dr. Kaigala has authored more than 40 scientific publications and received several awards, including an IBM Research Division Accomplishment Award and the 2014 Horizon Alumni Award from the University of Alberta.