A novel technique for the patterning of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) films is presented. The photolithography based bacteriorhodopsin patterning technique (PBBPT) utilizes conventional photolithographic techniques to pattern purple membrane (PM) films containing bR. Several key process variables are investigated and characterized. The photoelectric response of PM films patterned using the PBBPT are presented, and the process is shown not to have a negative impact on the response of PM films to light. The possibility of integrating patterned PM films with single electron transistors is explored.