Electrokinetic Alignment of Polymer Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
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Electrokinetic Alignment of Polymer Microspheres for Biomedical Applications Vindhya Kunduru1, and Shalini Prasad2 1 Electrical and Computer Engineering, Portland State University, ECE Department, Portland State University, PO Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, Portland, OR, 751 2 Electrical and computer engineering, Portland State University, 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 160, Portland, OR, 97207 ABSTRACT One of the applications of clinical proteomics is the development of protein sensor platform technologies for rapid bedside detection of disease biomarkers. Multiplexed protein biomarker analysis is a new way to predict the disease earlier and monitor its progress with more specificity and accuracy. We present here the potential applications of electrically aligned microarrays for biomolecule sensing. The platform based detection technology comprises of a silicon based microelectrode array also known as the sensor chip. Polystyrene beads act as the carriers or transportation agents for the proteins and provide surface area for immobilizing protein receptors (antibodies) on the surface of the sensor chip. The polymer solid supports are electrically interrogated based on the principles of electro kinetics. The principle of Electrophoresis was used to pattern polystyrene ìmicrobridgeî structures on the surface of the sensor chip, such that they form conductive paths between the selected electrodes. The ìmicrobridgeî structures couple signals arising due to the antibody-antigen binding event that occurs when the test sample is flowed on to the sensor platform. We demonstrate the functioning of this device in the detection for an inflammation marker, namely, C-reactive protein at microgram/ml sensitivity. INTRODUCTION Owing to their size and complex structure, nanoscale materials require to be engineered in a way that enables good control and reproducibility. Biomedical research using nanomaterials has led to applications, which are capable of overtaking most contemporary methods of sensing and detection. Here, we use a bottom ñ up approach of construction of a protein sensing flow cell system which uses micro scale carriers to transport nanoscale protein molecules [1]. The technique used in this work is based on a well-established principle for Immunoassay type of detection mechanisms. Immuno assays achieve high throughput detection of the analyte (proteins from test samples) by the use of their corresponding antibody linked molecules. Optical detection techniques involve utilizing fluorescent molecules, which chemically modify the surface properties of the molecules of interest. Although the optical detection principle is well established, expensive imaging equipment is required for optical detection mechanisms. In addition they require the use of 12 hour saturation that in turn increases the time required for detection. Electrical detection on the other hand captures electrical signals emanating from chemical reactions between the biological agents. The sensing, detection and analysis tools can be integrate
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