A versatile nanoarray electrode produced from block copolymer thin films for specific detection of proteins

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 123; pp. 128 - 136
• Main Authors: Fayad, Samira J., Minatti, Edson, Soldi, Valdir, Fort, Sébastien, Labbé, Pierre, Borsali, Redouane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 11.08.2017; Elsevier BV; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biotin; Block copolymer; Block copolymers; Chemical Sciences; Copolymers; Cyclodextrin; Cyclodextrins; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Nanoelectrode arrays; Polymethyl methacrylate; Polymethylmethacrylate; Polystyrene; Polystyrene resins; Pores; Porosity; Proteins; Self-assembly; Single molecule; Streptavidin; Studies; Styrene; Thin film; Thin films; β-Cyclodextrin; Self-assembly; Cyclodextrin; Electrochemistry; Nanoelectrode arrays; Block copolymer; Thin film; Single molecule
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2017.07.015

This work describes how nanostructured thin films obtained from the self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) systems can be used as a nanoelectrode array (NEA) that can be programmed to specifically detect targeted molecules. Namely, poly(styrene-b-methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) thin films, after removal of PMMA phase, produced regular spaced 560 pores μm-2 with 16 nm of diameter. The nanopores were then chemically modified by the introduction of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) molecules. By using the supramolecular interaction of β-CD and ferrocene (Fc), the pores could be programed by the introduction of molecules linked to Fc able to interact with target species. In the model system shown here, the linker had a biotin unit, aiming the detection of streptavidin. By changing the linker, other molecules can also be detected. This concept opens a window to many possibilities, including the development of devices for fast and versatile molecule detection. [Display omitted] •By means of self-assembly of block copolymer a versatile nanoarray electrode for protein detection is proposed.•Nanopores from UV-exposed block copolymer thin film were modified by adding the host molecule β-CD.•The guest - protein-specific binding agents attached to Ferrocene - were connected to the pores.•The electrode was able to specifically detect and quantify the target protein.•The device is very versatile: new targets can be selected by changing the guest molecule.