Abstract:
Based on the direct formation of molecularly imprinted polymer on gold electrode, the present invention provides a peptide sensor for the detection of low-molecular-weight peptides. A new cross-linking monomer, (N-Acr-L-Cys-NHBn)2 is employed to attach the surface of the chip and to copolymerize with other monomers. Interestingly, N-benzylacrylamide participating both polymerization and recognition is carried out in an aqueous environment. Using quartz crystal microbalance detection, short peptides can be monitored by their interaction with plastic antibodies specific for the target peptides. The selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymer and the sensitivity of such artificial biosensors have collaborated to differentiate traces of oxytocin and vasopressin to the ng/ml scale.
Abstract:
This invention presents a fast and effective method to detect macromolecules such as peptides. Using a multifunctional chiral monomer, it combines molecular imprinting polymerization technology with a quartz crystal microbalance for detection of peptides to the ng/ml scale.