Silk-Encapsulated Plasmonic Biochips with Enhanced Thermal Stability

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Biosensor Technology

Background:

• Plasmonic biosensors offer high sensitivity and cost-efficiency for point-of-care diagnostics.
• Natural antibodies used in biosensors are temperature-sensitive, requiring a "cold chain" for preservation.
• The cold chain is expensive and logistically challenging, limiting biosensor accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for preserving antibody activity on biosensor surfaces at elevated temperatures.
• To eliminate the need for cold chain logistics in antibody-based diagnostics.
• To enhance the applicability of biosensors in resource-limited environments.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing silk fibroin film as a protective layer for antibodies on a biosensor.
• Testing the preservation of model antibodies (Rabbit IgG) and cardiac troponin antibodies at room temperature and 40°C.
• Evaluating the restoration of biosensor biofunctionality through aqueous rinsing.

Main Results:

• Silk fibroin film successfully preserved antibody activity at room temperature and 40°C for several days.
• A simple aqueous rinse restored the biofunctionality of the antibody-based biosensor.
• The method demonstrated energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.

Conclusions:

• Silk fibroin film provides an effective, temperature-stable protective layer for antibodies on biosensors.
• This approach eliminates the need for cold chain management, reducing costs and logistical burdens.
• The developed method broadens the potential applications of antibody-based biosensors in diverse and challenging environments.