Biosensor for ATP detection via aptamer-modified PDA@POSS nanoparticles synthesized in a microfluidic reactor

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Developing sensitive and specific detection methods for biomolecules like adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is crucial for various applications.
• Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles offer unique properties for nanomaterial-based applications.
• Aptamers are valuable recognition elements in biosensing due to their specificity and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize aptamer-functionalized POSS nanoparticles using a microfluidic reactor for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection.
• To evaluate the performance of these aptamer-modified POSS nanoparticles in affinity-based biosensor applications.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using microfluidic synthesis for creating functionalized POSS nanoparticles for biorecognition.

Main Methods:

• POSS nanoparticles were synthesized via thermal polymerization in a one-step, continuous flow microfluidic reactor designed to prevent clogging.
• The surface of POSS nanoparticles was modified using polydopamine.
• ATP-specific aptamers were successfully attached to the polydopamine-coated POSS nanoparticles.
• The affinity of the aptamer-modified POSS nanoparticles for ATP was determined.

Main Results:

• A continuous flow microfluidic reactor was successfully employed for the one-step synthesis of POSS nanoparticles.
• Biomimetic surface modification with polydopamine allowed for efficient aptamer conjugation.
• The aptamer-functionalized POSS nanoparticles demonstrated successful capture of ATP molecules.
• An affinity constant of 46.5 µM was determined for ATP binding to the aptamer-modified POSS nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic synthesis provides an efficient method for producing POSS nanoparticles for biosensor development.
• Aptamer-functionalized POSS nanoparticles are effective for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection.
• This study highlights the potential of POSS nanoparticles in advanced biorecognition and sample preparation for biosensing applications.