Resolving molecule-specific information in dynamic lipid membrane processes with multi-resonant infrared metasurfaces

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Chemical Biology
• Biosensing Technologies

Background:

• Biological processes rely on intricate interactions between lipid membranes and proteins.
• Understanding these dynamics requires methods to differentiate and track biomolecular species without invasive labels.
• Label-free detection is essential for studying complex biological systems in their native states.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive, label-free biosensor for distinguishing multiple analytes in heterogeneous biological samples.
• To utilize a multi-resonant metasurface for simultaneous enhancement of diverse biomolecular vibrational fingerprints.
• To demonstrate real-time monitoring of lipid-protein interactions and neurotransmitter release.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mid-infrared biosensor based on a multi-resonant metasurface.
• Utilizing near-field intensity enhancement (up to 1000-fold) at amide and methylene bands.
• Application of the sensor to analyze peptide-induced neurotransmitter release from synaptic vesicle mimics.

Main Results:

• The biosensor successfully distinguishes multiple biomolecular species in heterogeneous samples with high sensitivity.
• Real-time resolution of interactions between lipid membranes and various polypeptides was achieved.
• Demonstrated label-free, chemically specific analysis of neurotransmitter cargo release from synaptic vesicle mimics.

Conclusions:

• The developed label-free biosensor enables sensitive, real-time analysis of complex biomolecular interactions.
• This technology provides new insights into biological processes like signaling and transport.
• The sensor serves as a valuable tool for basic research, bioanalysis, and pharmaceutical applications.