A novel thermal detection method based on molecularly imprinted nanoparticles as recognition elements

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) function as synthetic receptors for selective molecular binding.
• MIPs are utilized as recognition elements in various sensor applications.
• Current limitations exist in MIP-based sensor sensitivity and target molecule range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize MIP nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) for thermal biosensing.
• To demonstrate the application of nanoMIPs for detecting molecules of varying sizes, including small molecules, peptides, and proteins.
• To establish a novel thermal detection method for biomolecules using nanoMIPs.

Main Methods:

• Solid-phase synthesis of MIP nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) using diverse templates (biotin, peptides, trypsin).
• Dip-coating of nanoMIPs onto thermocouple surfaces within a liquid flow cell.
• Thermal detection principle: Binding-induced heat flow blockage leading to temperature change.

Main Results:

• NanoMIPs demonstrated selective binding and thermal signal generation for various templates.
• Achieved a significant improvement in the limit of detection (three orders of magnitude) compared to MIP microparticles.
• Developed a label-free thermal biosensor with high selectivity, fast response time (<5 min), and straightforward data analysis.
• Successfully detected protein targets, marking the first report of MIP-based thermal sensors for protein quantification.

Conclusions:

• NanoMIPs combined with thermal detection offer a versatile and highly sensitive biosensing platform.
• The platform demonstrates broad applicability for detecting biomolecules across a wide size range.
• The developed biosensor shows high commercial potential and biocompatibility, advancing in vivo diagnostic applications.