Light-Controlled Selective Collection-and-Release of Biomolecules by an On-Chip Nanostructured Device.

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Genomics
• Biosensing
• Biomaterial Engineering

Background:

• Analyzing complex biosamples like blood for proteins presents significant challenges in selective separation and detection.
• Current methods often require time-consuming steps such as centrifugation or specialized membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an on-chip, light-triggered, reusable platform for selective protein separation and preconcentration from complex biosamples.
• To demonstrate the control of binding affinity via nanostructuring and light-induced release of proteins.

Main Methods:

• Utilized antibody-photoacid-modified silicon nanopillars (SiNPs) vertical arrays for high-surface-area protein capture.
• Employed light-triggered switching of SiNPs from high-binding to non-binding states for controlled protein release.
• Investigated the nanostructuring effect on binding affinity and light-controlled release mechanisms both theoretically and experimentally.

Main Results:

• Achieved highly efficient protein collection due to nanostructure-controlled binding affinity.
• Demonstrated rapid and quantitative release of bound proteins via light-induced surface property changes.
• Successfully purified blood samples, selectively separating low-abundance proteins and removing unwanted components without centrifugation or membranes.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D SiNPs on-chip filter offers a novel approach for direct blood sample purification and protein analysis.
• This platform enables reversible, light-controlled, quantitative release of adsorbed biomolecules.
• The technology simplifies complex biosample analysis, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional methods.