Stable Self-Assembled Monolayers for sensitive biosensor interfaces

, , , , , , , ,
,

Keywords: , , ,

One of the most important requirements for making advanced biosensors and biochips is the attachment of biological receptors onto a solid support. For this reason, it is important to construct a stable and well-characterized interface chemistry. Therefore the biosensor research at IMEC focuses on the use of (pre-activated) mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkane thiols on gold surfaces. Their most important characteristics were investigated. Firstly, we investigated their stability. To address this issue, the mixed SAMs were tested in several storage conditions in function of time. The quality was monitored not only with common characterization tools but also the biosensor properties were investigated in time using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Secondly, their enhanced properties for biosensing were investigated. This was done by SPR using several SAMs in combination with various biological receptors and assays for a biological relevant model system: the detection of the cancer marker prostate-specific antigen. Finally, we investigated the SAM- and Bio-functionalization of gold nanoparticles. They are useful to enhance the biosensor performance and constructing nano-(bio)-assemblies. These functionalized nanoparticles were investigated with several techniques. In conclusion, this study clearly shows that mixed stable SAMs can be widely used, to enhance the biosensor performances.

PDF of paper:


Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 511 - 514
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topics: Biomaterials, Chemical, Physical & Bio-Sensors
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6