Abstract
We demonstrated the surface functionalization of a highly three-dimensional, superhydrophilic wicking substrate using light to immobilize functional biomolecules for sensor or microarray applications. We showed here that the three-dimensional substrate was compatible with photo-attachment and the performance of functionalization was greatly improved due to both increased surface capacity and reduced substrate reflectivity. In addition, photo-attachment circumvents the problems induced by wicking effect that was typically encountered on superhydrophilic three-dimensional substrates, thus reducing the difficulty of producing miniaturized sites on such substrate. We have investigated various aspects of photo-attachment process on the nanowire substrate, including the role of different buffers, the effect of wavelength as well as how changing probe structure may affect the functionalization process. We demonstrated that substrate fabrication and functionalization can be achieved with processes compatible with microelectronics processes, hence reducing the cost of array fabrication. Such functionalization method coupled with the high capacity surface makes the substrate an ideal candidate for sensor or microarray for sensitive detection of target analytes.
Highlights
Biosensors and microarray has been a valuable tool for biomedical research, and most devices are based on solid phase supporting substrate where biomolecules are immobilized at predefined positions for location registered reading
It is easier to produce smaller spots [3] which will be advantageous in two ways: first, a simple reduction in spot size may increase signal intensity when detecting target at low concentration [4,5,6], and secondly, for device require high throughput, a large number of sites can be housed on a single substrate
We aim to show the size detection sites can be shrink on superhydrophilic wicking surfaces with the example of GLADMACE substrate
Summary
Biosensors and microarray has been a valuable tool for biomedical research, and most devices are based on solid phase supporting substrate where biomolecules are immobilized at predefined positions for location registered reading. It is easier to produce smaller spots [3] which will be advantageous in two ways: first, a simple reduction in spot size may increase signal intensity when detecting target at low concentration [4,5,6], and secondly, for device require high throughput, a large number of sites can be housed on a single substrate. To miniaturize sites on hydrophilic surfaces, organic solvent, such as DMSO, has been used to alter the wetting characteristics of liquid [11] This may result in denature of biomolecules. The GLAD-MACE platform is highly hydrophilic so while it can fully reap the benefits of increased surface area (due to 3D and porous surface) for attachment of analytes, extending the detection limit to fmol region without amplification, wicking is a severe problem for the miniaturization of the GLAD-MACE platform. We aim to show the size detection sites can be shrink on superhydrophilic wicking surfaces with the example of GLADMACE substrate
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