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Lectin binding studies on a glycopolymer brush flow-through biosensor by localized surface plasmon resonance
Ruben R Rosencrantz1,2, Vu Hoa Nguyen3, Hyunji Park4
1Laboratory for Biomaterials, Institute for Biotechnology and Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstr. 20, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
This study presents a novel flow-through biosensor using glycopolymer brushes for sensitive detection of lectin and toxin interactions. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensor demonstrates high affinity and potential for disposable applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biosensing Technology
Background:
- Glycopolymer brushes offer a versatile platform for biomolecular interactions.
- Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) biosensors provide high sensitivity for real-time analysis.
- Investigating lectin-glycan interactions is crucial for understanding biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a flow-through LSPR biosensor for studying lectin binding kinetics.
- To functionalize surfaces with glycopolymer brushes presenting specific carbohydrate structures.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance in detecting specific lectin and toxin interactions.
Main Methods:
- Surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to create glycopolymer brushes on gold-coated polycarbonate membranes.
- Enzymatic modification of the glycopolymer brushes to immobilize a trisaccharide.
- Utilizing a microfluidic setup with transmission LSPR spectroscopy for real-time binding analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful grafting of glycopolymer brushes and immobilization of a trisaccharide ligand.
- Demonstrated specific binding of lectins, including the Clostridium difficile toxin A receptor domain, to the glycopolymer brush surface.
- The flow-through LSPR biosensor exhibited sensitive detection of target analytes.
Conclusions:
- Glycopolymer brushes are effective high-affinity ligands for lectin and toxin interactions.
- The developed flow-through LSPR biosensor is sensitive, disposable, and suitable for investigating biomolecular binding kinetics.
- This platform holds promise for diagnostic and research applications in glycobiology and infectious diseases.

