Polymeric sensing system molecularly imprinted towards enhanced adhesion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Surface molecular imprinting of methacrylate polymers (SMIPs) was applied for obtaining sensory system that was able to selectively adsorb Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Molecular imprinting with a stamp prepared from particular microorganisms was applied to modify the polymeric surface during polymerisation. Polymer surface was imprinted against two microorganisms of the top-fermenting brewing yeast strains of S. cerevisiae, differing in cell flocculation behavior, in particular showed in cell wall surface proteins. Two yeast strains: K2 and LVB Gaffel from an industrial microorganism collection were used. High selectivity of the microorganism readsorption by the SMIPs was observed. The properties of surfaces of molecularly imprinted polymers were studied with the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) working in semi-contact and force spectroscopy modes. A strong enhancement of adhesion between microorganisms and imprinted polymeric surface in comparison to non-imprinted surface was observed. This report presents the first quantification of the enhancement of adhesion forces between microorganisms and polymeric surface caused by modification of the surface with use of molecular imprinting technique. The study has proved that SMIP technology and obtained polymeric matrix can recognize microorganisms and selectively separate the cells of yeast strains of S. cerevisiae family.