Molecularly imprinted colloidal array with multi-boronic acid sites for glycoprotein detection under neutral pH

Area of Science:

• Biomarker Discovery
• Biosensing Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Glycoproteins are crucial in biological processes and disease diagnostics.
• Low glycoprotein concentrations in biological samples pose detection challenges.
• Selective and sensitive detection methods are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a molecularly imprinted colloidal array sensor for glycoprotein detection at physiological pH.
• To create a label-free optical sensor for sensitive and selective glycoprotein analysis.
• To enable naked-eye detection of glycoproteins.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of SiO2@PEI/MIPs using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a template.
• Assembly of imprinted particles into a close-packed colloidal array for a photonic crystal sensor (GICA).
• Utilizing changes in structure color and diffraction wavelength for label-free detection.

Main Results:

• The SiO2@PEI/MIPs demonstrated high adsorption capacity and selectivity for HRP.
• The GICA sensor showed a distinct color change and wavelength shift upon HRP binding.
• Detection of HRP in human serum samples was successfully achieved, indicating practical applicability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed GICA sensor offers a promising platform for sensitive and selective glycoprotein detection.
• The label-free optical detection mechanism simplifies analysis and enables naked-eye readout.
• This technology holds potential for disease biomarker screening and diagnostics.