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Published on: February 16, 2018
Trapping of vesicles on patterned surfaces by physisorption for potential biosensing applications
L K Bera1, Kian Soo Ong, Zheng Zheng Wong
1Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency forScience, Technology and Research, 3 Research Link, Singapore.
Summary
Researchers developed a method to trap polymer vesicles on surfaces for applications like biosensors. Optimal conditions involve a 15-minute incubation and a water rinse, enabling controlled vesicle positioning.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Controlled positioning of vesicles is vital for micro-scale applications.
- Polymer vesicles offer unique properties for these applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish protocols for trapping polymer vesicles on hydrophilic surfaces.
- To develop methods for controlled vesicle immobilization in micro-wells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized block copolymer vesicles (Poly [-(2-methyloxazoline) -poly- (dimethylsiloxane)-poly- (2-methyloxazoline)] ABA) with dimensions of 100-200 nm.
- Investigated physisorption as the trapping mechanism.
- Developed micro-well arrays using photolithography and later Si/SiO(2) substrates with APTES treatment.
Main Results:
- Optimized vesicle trapping conditions: 15 minutes incubation followed by a DI water rinse.
- Demonstrated successful trapping of 1-10 vesicles in photoresist micro-wells.
- Developed an alternative Si/SiO(2) microwell array to avoid optical interference issues.
Conclusions:
- Physisorption provides an effective method for trapping polymer vesicles.
- The developed micro-well arrays facilitate controlled vesicle positioning for advanced applications.
- Si/SiO(2) microwell arrays offer an improved solution for optical measurements.
