Anisotropic CdSe Tetrapods in Vortex Flow for Removing Non-Specific Binding and Increasing Protein Capture

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Non-specific binding (NSB) significantly compromises biosensor performance by interfering with target analyte detection.
• Developing effective strategies to minimize NSB is crucial for improving the sensitivity and reliability of biosensing platforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of anisotropic cadmium selenide tetrapods (CdSe TPs) in a vortex flow system for reducing NSB in biosensing.
• To explore the potential of using shear force generated by rotating CdSe TPs to remove unwanted proteins like anti-mouse IgG antibody and bovine serum albumin (BSA).

Main Methods:

• Utilized anisotropic CdSe TPs within a controlled vortex flow environment.
• Varied the rotation rate of the vortex flow (0-1000 rpm) to modulate shear force applied to the nanoparticles.
• Quantified NSB reduction by measuring the photoluminescence (PL) signals of fluorescein (FITC)-conjugated proteins (anti-mouse IgG antibody-FITC and BSA-FITC).

Main Results:

• Photoluminescence signals of FITC-conjugated anti-mouse IgG antibody and BSA were reduced by 35% and 45%, respectively, demonstrating effective NSB removal.
• Achieved simultaneous NSB removal and target protein capture using a cyclic mode vortex flow with anisotropic CdSe TPs, even in mixed solutions.
• Established a correlation between increased rotation rate, enhanced shear force, and diminished NSB.

Conclusions:

• Rotating anisotropic CdSe TPs in a vortex flow effectively generates shear force to reduce non-specific binding in biosensing applications.
• This approach offers a promising new protocol for enhancing protein capture efficiency and minimizing NSB, thereby increasing the feasibility of advanced biosensor designs.
• The study highlights the potential of anisotropic nanoparticles in vortex flow for developing more robust and accurate biosensing technologies.