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Biointerface Strategies for COVID-19 Spike Protein Detection: A Surface Engineering Approach
Mehak1, Chinmaya Panda1, Rushikesh Fopase1
1Bio-Interface & Environmental Engineering Lab, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati 781039, India.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|September 16, 2025
Summary
This study optimized biosensor surfaces for spike protein detection. The EDC-NHS method provided superior protein binding and maintained the spike protein's native structure for accurate health monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Biosensors are crucial for rapid health monitoring, often utilizing silicon or metal oxide bases.
- Surface modification is essential for immobilizing bioreceptors onto biosensor surfaces.
- Functional groups are needed to anchor bioreceptors for specific analyte detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the spike protein binding efficiency on amine, EDC-NHS, and glutaraldehyde modified surfaces.
- To evaluate the impact of surface modification on protein structure and biosensor performance.
- To identify an optimal surface chemistry for spike protein immobilization in biosensing applications.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification using amine, EDC-NHS, and glutaraldehyde chemistries.
- Characterization of surface functional groups, morphology, and wettability using analytical techniques.
- Spike protein binding assessment via fluorescence imaging and contact angle measurements.
Main Results:
- EDC-NHS modified surfaces exhibited the lowest roughness (1.91 nm) and highest N/C ratio (0.16).
- EDC-NHS surfaces maintained native-like spike protein structure with a contact angle of ~57°.
- Spike protein binding was specific, with albumin showing minimal interaction.
Conclusions:
- EDC-NHS surface modification is superior for spike protein immobilization in biosensors.
- This method enhances binding efficiency and preserves protein structure for accurate biomedical sensing.
- Optimized surface chemistry is vital for developing effective point-of-care diagnostic tools.
