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Porous Laser-Scribed Graphene Electrodes Modified with Zwitterionic Moieties: A Strategy for Antibiofouling and
Alanis C Zambrano1,2, Livia M D Loiola2,3, Abdullah Bukhamsin1,2
1Bioengineering Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), 23955-6900 Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 17, 2024
Summary
This study presents a novel sulfobetaine-zwitterionic interface to combat biofouling on laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGEs). The new antibiofouling coating preserves sensor performance in biological samples, extending device lifetime.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGEs) are vital for electrochemical biosensors in point-of-care and wearable applications.
- Biofouling significantly degrades the sensitivity and selectivity of LSGE-based biosensors, limiting their practical use.
- Developing robust antibiofouling strategies is crucial for enhancing the reliability and longevity of biosensing devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel antibiofouling interface for LSGEs using sulfobetaine-zwitterionic moieties.
- To investigate the mechanism of antifouling action, including hydration layer formation and electrostatic repulsion.
- To assess the effectiveness of the modified LSGEs against common biofouling agents in complex biological media.
Main Methods:
- Modification of LSGEs with sulfobetaine-zwitterionic compounds.
- Electrochemical characterization to evaluate sensor performance and signal stability.
- Microscopy techniques to visualize electrode surface and biofouling.
- Exposure studies using bovine serum albumin, HeLa cells, and Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- The sulfobetaine-zwitterionic interface effectively prevented nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules and cells.
- Modified electrodes maintained over 90% of their original signal after 24 hours of exposure to bovine serum albumin, HeLa cells, and E. coli.
- The interface demonstrated low impedance and robust antifouling properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed sulfobetaine-zwitterionic interface offers a versatile and effective solution to biofouling on LSGEs.
- This strategy significantly enhances the stability and performance of electrochemical biosensors in complex biological environments.
- The findings suggest a viable approach for prolonging the operational lifetime of LSGE-based sensors for continuous monitoring and diagnostics.
