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Facile and High-Throughput Synthesis of Functional Microparticles with Quick Response Codes
Lisa Marie S Ramirez1, Muhan He1, Shay Mailloux1
1Multiplex Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 7, 2016
Summary
A new Massive Coding of Dissociated Elements (MiCODE) technology enables robust, high-capacity QR code microparticles for multiplexed assays. This innovation offers reliable labeling for bioassays and consumer products.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Encoded microparticles are crucial for multiplexed assays and labeling, but current methods have limitations in robustness, reliability, and coding capacity.
- Existing techniques often struggle to produce a large number of uniquely identifiable microparticles efficiently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel Massive Coding of Dissociated Elements (MiCODE) technology for producing microparticles with high-density quick response (QR) code labeling.
- To demonstrate the versatility and scalability of MiCODE for advanced bioassays and product labeling applications.
Main Methods:
- Development of a chemically reactive, off-stoichiometry thiol-allyl photocurable polymer for microparticle synthesis.
- Utilizing standard lithography and photobleaching of incorporated fluorophores to create QR code patterns on microparticles.
- Surface modification of microparticles for grafting amine groups and subsequent DNA probe immobilization via microcontact printing.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated QR code microparticles using MiCODE technology with high coding capacity and feature retention after release from the substrate.
- Demonstrated the successful incorporation of BODIPY-maleimide and Nile Red fluorophores for coding purposes.
- Validated the functionality of DNA-grafted QR code microparticles in a multiplexed assay, showcasing their potential for sensitive detection.
Conclusions:
- MiCODE technology provides a robust and scalable platform for generating highly encoded microparticles, overcoming limitations of previous methods.
- The technology's adaptability for DNA probe immobilization and its compatibility with mature lithography facilities position it for future advancements in bioanalytical sciences and industrial labeling.
