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Characterisation of morphology of self-assembled PEG monolayers: a comparison of mixed and pure coatings optimised for biosensor applications

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Abstract

For detection of low concentrations of analytes in complex biological matrices using optical biosensors, a high surface loading with capture molecules and a low nonspecific binding of nonrelevant matrix molecules are essential. To tailor biosensor surfaces in such a manner, poly(ethylene glycols) (PEG) in varying lengths were immobilised covalently onto glass-type surfaces in different mixing ratios and concentrations, and were subsequently modified with three different kinds of receptors. The nonspecific binding of a model protein (ovalbumin, OVA) and the maximum loading of the respective analytes to these prepared surfaces were monitored using label-free and time-resolved reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS). The three different analytes used varied in size: 150 kDa for the anti-atrazine antibody, 60 kDa for streptavidin and 5 kDa for the 15-bp oligonucleotide. We investigated if the mixing of PEG in different lengths could increase the surface loadings of analyte mimicking a three-dimensional matrix as was found using dextrans as sensor coatings. In addition, the effect on the surface loading was investigated with regard to the size of the analyte molecule using such mixed PEGs on the sensor surface. For further characterisation of the surface coatings, polarisation modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and ellipsometry were applied.

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Acknowledgements

We kindly acknowledge financial support by the European Union (projects “CARE-MAN” NMP4-CT-2006–017333, “CASCADE” FOOD-CT-2004–506319, “GenSensor-Nanoparts” NMP4-CT-2003–505808), DFG and the Landesforschungsschwerpunktprogramm Baden-Württemberg. Substrates for PM-IRRAS were prepared in the Central Scientific Facility Thin Film Laboratory at the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (IPTC), Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Jochen Mehne, Goran Markovic, Florian Pröll, Nina Schweizer & Günter Gauglitz

  2. Institut für Angewandte Physik, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Stefan Zorn & Frank Schreiber

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  1. Jochen Mehne
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  2. Goran Markovic
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  3. Florian Pröll
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  4. Nina Schweizer
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  5. Stefan Zorn
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  6. Frank Schreiber
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  7. Günter Gauglitz
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Correspondence to Florian Pröll.

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All authors contributed equally to this work.

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Mehne, J., Markovic, G., Pröll, F. et al. Characterisation of morphology of self-assembled PEG monolayers: a comparison of mixed and pure coatings optimised for biosensor applications. Anal Bioanal Chem 391, 1783–1791 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2066-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-008-2066-0

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