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Ultrasensitive Detection of Biomarkers by Using a Molecular Imprinting Based Capacitive Biosensor
Published on: February 16, 2018
Protein crystallization and biosensor applications of hydrogel-based molecularly imprinted polymers
Subrayal M Reddy1, Quan T Phan, Hazim El-Sharif
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom. s.reddy@surrey.ac.uk
Biomacromolecules
|October 31, 2012
Summary
We developed acrylamide-based molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for selective protein detection. N-hydroxymethylacrylamide MIPs showed the best performance in discriminating between bovine hemoglobin and trypsin using sensor and crystallization techniques.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Biomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer tailored recognition sites for target molecules.
- Protein detection and quantification are crucial in diagnostics and research.
- Acrylamide-based polymers present a versatile platform for MIP development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the imprinting capability of acrylamide-based MIPs for bovine hemoglobin (BHb) and trypsin (Tryp).
- To evaluate the selectivity of different acrylamide derivatives (AA, NHMA, NiPAM) for protein recognition.
- To assess the potential of MIPs in facilitating protein crystallization for selectivity assessment.
Main Methods:
- Spectrophotometric analysis and Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor techniques were employed.
- Bulk gel characterization of MIPs with varying acrylamide monomers (AA, NHMA, NiPAM).
- Protein crystallization trials using MIPs to evaluate cognate and noncognate protein selectivity.
Main Results:
- N-hydroxymethylacrylamide (NHMA) MIPs demonstrated superior discrimination between BHb and Tryp compared to AA and NiPAM MIPs.
- QCM studies confirmed NHMA MIPs exhibited the best selectivity, while NiPAM MIPs showed no significant selectivity.
- Protein crystallization trials supported QCM findings, with NHMA MIPs facilitating improved crystal formation.
Conclusions:
- Acrylamide-based MIPs, particularly NHMA, show significant potential for selective protein sensing.
- The combination of QCM and protein crystallization provides a robust method for evaluating MIP performance.
- These MIPs offer a promising approach for developing sensitive and selective protein detection systems.
