| AVS 60th International Symposium and Exhibition | |
| Nanometer-scale Science and Technology | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session NS+EM+EN-TuM |
| Session: | Nanoscale Transport and Devices |
| Presenter: | T. Kamra, Lund University, Sweden |
| Authors: | T. Kamra, Lund University, Sweden L. Ye, Lund University, Sweden |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (MIPs) are polymeric structures which are prepared to the attachment of specific molecules in bio-sensing applications. Ideally, MIPs should be covalently immobilized on solid supports to allow efficient and easy use. Here we have studied a particular two-step method of immobilization, which makes use of an epoxide binding layer. For characterization we have used an array of different methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy, water contact angle measurements, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
The first step of the method is the modification of a silica support by an epoxide binding layer. This is achieved by treating the surface with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) [1]. We find that we can achieve uniform, stable, and dense GPTMS layers with the desired epoxide termination. In the second step the amine-functionalized core-shell MIPs (300nm) specific to the sensing of propranolol are bonded to the surface via the terminal epoxy groups of the GPTMS layer. Covalent bonding is achieved via a ring opening reaction. Our microscopy experiments and water contact angle measurement show that the procedure results in a MIP layer with good surface homogeneity and coverage, although XPS shows that the layer is not completely dense. Nonetheless, we can conclude that GPTMS is highly effective for holding large polymeric core-shell MIPs for robust sensor applications.
[1]Vladimir V. Tsukruk, Igor Luzinov, and Daungrut Julthongpiput, Langmuir 1999, 15, 3029-3032.