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

Publication date: 11 August 2017
Source:Polymer, Volume 123
Author(s): Samira J. Fayad, Edson Minatti, Valdir Soldi, Sébastien Fort, Pierre Labbé, Redouane Borsali
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.

Graphical abstract

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