Signal enhancement of protein chips using 3D-materials for immobilization

Abstract

3D-materials, such as cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), PVA/monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT)-doped sol-gel and modified melamine particles were employed as an immobilization matrix for proteins in order to obtain enhanced signal-to-noise ratios. Cross-linking PVA surfaces with cyanuric chloride (TsT) leads to 1.4-fold signal enhancement, whereas linking with MCT results in five times stronger signals. Signals obtained from PVA/MCT-doped sol-gel materials were up to eight times stronger, since MCT contributed to improved interconnection of the sol-gel and covalent binding of IgG. Moreover, 1.1 µm melamine particles derivatized with TsT or MCT or with no crosslinker were used for immobilization of proteins. The particles were arrayed onto the chip in various buffer or hydrogel solutions. The best results were achieved for melamine particles in PEG and PVA solutions containing MCT as a crosslinker.