A Nanoparticle-Decorated Biomolecule-Responsive Polymer Enables Robust Signaling Cascade for Biosensing

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science
• Biomolecular Engineering

Background:

• Increasing demand for ultrasensitive detection of low-abundance biomarkers and environmental toxins.
• Need for robust sensing systems capable of detecting trace amounts.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop a novel ultrasensitive polymeric sensing system (UPSS).
• Utilize a signal cascade strategy for enhanced sensitivity and specificity.
• Enable real-time detection of biomolecular recognition events.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a gold nanoparticle (gNP)-decorated polymer matrix.
• Employing aptamer-based recognition for specific biomolecular binding.
• Utilizing in situ real-time atomic-force microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy for dynamic process monitoring.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrasensitive detection of thrombin at 10^-18 m and anatoxin at 10^-14 m.
• Demonstrated selective and reproducible detection of target molecules.
• Validated real-time polymer network shrinkage and gNP aggregation upon biomolecular recognition.

Conclusions:

• The UPSS offers a robust platform for ultrasensitive detection of biomarkers and toxins.
• The novel signal cascade strategy enables unprecedented sensitivity in biomolecular recognition.
• Real-time monitoring of polymer shrinkage provides new insights into soft matter dynamics during binding events.