Functionalization of nanowire arrays for the development of a biosensor

CHED 347

Clare M. Flynn, cmflynn@marauder.millersville.edu1, Nicholas Dower, njdower@marauder.millersville.edu2, Tiffany Rhoads, tmbenson@marauder.millersville.edu2, M. James Cosentino, james.cosentino@millersville.edu2, Youssef Habib, joe.habib@illuminex.biz3, and Lyman Rickard, Lyman.Rickard@millersville.edu1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Millersville University, Millersville, PA 17551, (2) Department of Biology, Millersville University, (3) Illuminex Corporation, 1064 New Holland Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601
As part of an initiative to develop a biosensor for the detection of ovarian cancer using nanowire arrays, gold and silver nanowires are functionalized with a self-assembled monolayer. The purpose of the monolayer is to facilitate the binding of antibodies to the surface of the nanowire array. The monolayer will consist of mercaptoundecanoic acid and a spacer molecule, with a thiol group to bind to the nanowires. The carboxylic acid group of the monolayer acts a site to which antibodies can bind, while the spacer ensures that the antibodies have the space to correctly bind. For this reason, it is important to determine the optimal spacer to use and the optimal ratio of acid to spacer to produce the maximum antibody attachment. Fluorescent microscopy is used to determine the degree of attachment of the antibodies to the monolayer. Results of optimal spacer size and ratio will be presented. A comparison of the attachment of fluorescently tagged primary antibody to tagged secondary antibody will also be presented.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008