Thiol-click photochemistry for surface functionalization applied to optical biosensing.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Biosensing Technology

Background:

• Efficient probe immobilization is crucial for biosensor development.
• Existing methods often lack versatility or require harsh conditions.
• Light-based strategies offer a promising alternative for controlled surface functionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present novel light-based strategies for covalent immobilization of thiolated probes.
• To explore different surface chemistries and probe attachment configurations.
• To demonstrate the application of these methods in advanced biosensing platforms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized thiol-ene photocoupling chemistry on alkenyl and alkynylated surfaces.
• Investigated epoxylated surfaces activated by light for probe attachment.
• Developed a novel fluorinated surface strategy for controlled immobilization and reduced non-specific adsorption.
• Compared single-point and multi-point probe attachment strategies.
• Applied methods to fluorescence microarray and label-free nanophotonic biosensing.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful covalent attachment of oligonucleotides and proteins using light activation.
• Thiol-ene chemistry showed efficient probe immobilization on various surfaces.
• Alkynylated surfaces offered tunable hydrophobicity influencing sensing response.
• Fluorinated surfaces created hydrophilic spots for probe attachment, significantly reducing background noise and increasing sensitivity.
• Achieved quick, clean, versatile, orthogonal, and biocompatible immobilization in aqueous conditions.

Conclusions:

• Thiol-click photochemistry provides a versatile and efficient toolkit for biosensor fabrication.
• Light-activated immobilization offers advantages in speed, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness (water as solvent, light as catalyst).
• These methods enhance biosensor performance by improving probe attachment and reducing non-specific interactions, paving the way for more sensitive and reliable devices.