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Material-Selective Deposition of Reactive Group-Functionalized Poly‑l‑lysine for DNA Sensing at Optical Waveguides.
Samer Aphrham1,2, Mark Verheijden2, Jurriaan Huskens1
1Department of Molecules and Materials, Faculty of Science & Technology, MESA+ Institute and TechMed Centre, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands.
ACS Omega
|December 8, 2025
Summary
We developed a versatile poly-l-lysine (PLL) coating strategy for biosensors, enabling precise biomarker localization and enhanced performance. This method improves control over surface biofunctionalization for advanced biosensor applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Precise biomarker localization in biosensors is key for performance and reducing analyte loss.
- Existing material-selective coatings have limited chemistry, hindering versatility.
- Poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-covered silicon dioxide (SiO2) surrounds silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel poly-l-lysine (PLL) scaffold for material-selective biosensor coatings.
- To enable modular surface functionalization with controlled grafting densities.
- To enhance spatial precision and probe density control in biosensors.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of a PLL scaffold with oligo-(ethylene glycol) (OEG) and cycloalkynes (DBCO, BCN).
- Immobilization of azide-labeled DNA probes (pDNA) via click chemistry.
- Selective deposition of PLL onto carboxylic acid (COOH)-covered sensing areas.
- Analysis of PLL deposition behavior by varying DBCO/BCN molar ratios.
Main Results:
- Selective deposition of PLL onto COOH-covered sensing areas was confirmed.
- Higher dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO) content led to thicker PLL layers due to hydrophobicity.
- Substitution with bicyclononyne (BCN) resulted in uniform coatings.
- Optimized pDNA immobilization conditions using localized dispensing.
Conclusions:
- The developed PLL coating strategy offers tunable surface biofunctionalization.
- This approach enhances control over probe density and spatial localization.
- The versatile method paves the way for next-generation biosensors with improved precision.
