Detection of protein binding using activator generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Protein detection assays are crucial for diagnostics.
• Controlled polymerization methods offer enhanced sensitivity.
• Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) is a versatile controlled polymerization technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sensitive and rapid protein detection method.
• To utilize Activator Generated by Electron Transfer for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (AGET ATRP) for signal amplification.
• To demonstrate the detection of ovalbumin at low concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Employed a purge-free AGET ATRP method for controlled polymerization.
• Utilized ellipsometry for quantitative protein binding analysis.
• Visualized protein binding events on a sensor surface.

Main Results:

• Achieved differentiation of femtomole ovalbumin binding from background noise using ellipsometry.
• Observed visually distinguishable spots from subpicomole ovalbumin binding within 15 minutes.
• Demonstrated signal amplification through AGET ATRP polymerization.

Conclusions:

• AGET ATRP provides a highly sensitive platform for protein detection.
• The developed method allows for rapid, visual identification of target proteins.
• This approach holds significant potential for the development of point-of-need diagnostic devices.