Controlled/"living" radical polymerization-based signal amplification strategies for biosensing

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP) techniques are emerging as advanced signal amplification strategies.
• These methods are gaining traction in the biosensing of clinically relevant biomolecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advantages and disadvantages of CLRP-based signal amplification strategies.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of CLRP applications in biosensing.
• To guide the broad application of CLRP in biosensing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing CLRP techniques like atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization.
• Recruiting signaling probes or functional groups via CLRP-mediated polymer chain formation.
• Analyzing CLRP-based strategies for biosensing nucleic acids, enzymes, and antigens.

Main Results:

• CLRP enables recruitment of numerous signaling probes or functional groups, leading to high signals even with low analyte concentrations.
• CLRP-based strategies offer superior sensitivity compared to conventional methods.
• These methods are cost-effective, efficient, and operationally simple.

Conclusions:

• CLRP-based signal amplification strategies demonstrate significant promise for clinical applications and biomedical research.
• The review summarizes the pros and cons of various CLRP strategies, offering insights for future development.
• CLRP offers a versatile platform for sensitive and efficient biosensing.