BIOPATT: Patterning of biomolecules on sensor surfaces

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0598

Key words (English)

Multianalyte; biosensor; microfluidic networks; resonance mirror

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BIO4CT980536

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 4.1 Biotechnology

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: University of Copenhagen (DK)

Abstract (English)

In this project we pattern biological molecules along channels of microfluidic networks for the use in an optical biosensor. Microfluidic networks are devices consisting of several independent channels with micrometer dimensions that transport fluids by capillary forces. Biomolecules present in these fluids are deposited along the channels onto the substrate by adsorption or binding with a high degree of control. Microfluidic networks thus allow patterning of several different proteins so that biosensors capable of measuring multiple analytes simultaneously can be made with high quality and at low cost.
To implement our plans we designed, fabricated and tested several different types of microfluidic networks. The emphasis was set on ease of handling, reliable flow, sufficient transport of reactants in the fluids, and stability of the small features creating the channels. Material properties of the networks have been tailored and their surfaces were treated to make them permanently hydrophilic and resistant to protein adsorption. Chemical modifications and protocols for the localized covalent immobilization of biomolecules to the sensor matrix have been tested. Finally, the biosensor instrument hardware and optics was modified to allow reading of multiple sensoric regions. The combination of patterning biomolecules using the Microfluidic Network technology and the biosensor optics has been proven to be applicable and feasible. Binding kinetics for DNA/DNA hybridization were monitored and mutations were be distinguished from native complementary DNA. Different DNA oligomers have been patterned on a single sensor block and the response to complimentary DNA oligomers has been monitored for the individual channels.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 97.0598