Cold plasma functionalized TeraHertz BioMEMS for enzyme reaction analysis.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Terahertz (THz) Spectroscopy

Background:

• Enzyme reaction analysis requires sensitive and real-time monitoring techniques.
• Existing methods may lack the precision or non-invasive capabilities for dynamic reaction studies.
• Microfluidic devices offer controlled environments for biochemical assays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and test a TeraHertz (THz) Bio-MicroElectroMechanical System (BioMEMS) for enzyme reaction analysis.
• To demonstrate the capability of THz sensing for monitoring enzymatic hydrolysis.
• To functionalize a microdevice for efficient enzyme immobilization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of the BioMEMS device using cleanroom microfabrication and cold plasma deposition.
• Polymerization of allylamine via glow discharge plasma for enzyme immobilization.
• Thermal stability analysis using infrared spectroscopy.
• Fluorescent detection for confirming immobilization and enzyme activity.
• Real-time monitoring of enzyme hydrolysis using a THz sensor and a vectorial network analyzer.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication and functionalization of the THz BioMEMS device.
• Confirmation of efficient enzyme immobilization and hydrolysis via fluorescent detection.
• Demonstration of real-time monitoring of enzyme hydrolysis progression using THz sensor.
• THz transmission measurements distinguished between different films and media.
• Specific THz transmission behavior observed during the enzyme hydrolysis reaction (0.06-0.11 THz).

Conclusions:

• The developed THz BioMEMS is a viable platform for enzyme reaction analysis.
• THz sensing provides a novel, non-invasive method for real-time monitoring of biochemical reactions.
• This technology has potential applications in diagnostics and biochemical research.