Abstract
Biomolecule immobilization on bulk silicon dioxide (SiO2) is an important aspect in the field of Si-based interfaces for biosensing. The approach used for surface preparation should guarantee not only the stable anchoring of biomolecules but also their structural integrity and biological functioning. In this paper, we review our findings on the SiO2 functionalization process to immobilize a variety of biomolecules, including glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxide, metallothionein, and DNA molecules. Morphological and chemical characterization of SiO2 surfaces after biomolecule immobilization using techniques already employed in the microelectronic industry are presented and discussed. Optical and spectrophotometric analysis revealed the preservation of biomolecules’ activity once they are anchored on the biointerface.
Highlights
The biointerface is the region in which the biological element interacts with an inorganic/organic material to generate a bioactive smart surface, suitable for different applications such as neural interfaces, engineered microenvironments, regenerative medicine, nanotube/nanoparticle drug delivery, and, especially, biosensing [1,2,3,4,5]
The biointerface plays a key role in the transduction process of a biosensor; it is the gate by which a biological event, coming from a reaction between the sensing element and the target, is converted into a qualitative and quantitative signal
We report our findings using APTES and GOPS bio-derivatization of the bulk SiO2 surface, showing a series of results obtained with the most representative molecules in biosensing: glucose oxidase, horseradish peroxide, metallothionein, and ssDNA
Summary
The biointerface is the region in which the biological element (biomolecule, cell, tissue or living organism) interacts with an inorganic/organic material to generate a bioactive smart surface, suitable for different applications such as neural interfaces, engineered microenvironments, regenerative medicine, nanotube/nanoparticle drug delivery, and, especially, biosensing [1,2,3,4,5]. The biointerface plays a key role in the transduction process of a biosensor; it is the gate by which a biological event, coming from a reaction between the sensing element and the target, is converted into a qualitative and quantitative signal. Biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins (especially enzymes), are widely used as sensing probes in biosensors. DNA sensors are based on the hybridization between a ssDNA probe, anchored on the surface, and the complementary ssDNA target. The signal of the recognition event can be detected with optical, electrical, or electrochemical transduction mechanisms [8,9,10,11,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
