Controlled Microfluidic Assembly and Functionalization of Complex Biomolecules
Abstract
Biomaterials hold the potential to revolutionize a broad range of energy, manufacturing, sensor, and medical processes. Furthermore, bio-enhanced processes are increasingly being looked to as potentially cost effective methods to produce or enhance a diverse array of microdevices. However, knowledge required for the controlled assembly of protein-based macromolecules is limited. In addition, the integration of these biomaterials into functional devices is often difficult to control, leading to their inactivation or functional loss. In this project we have used the well-defined plant virus Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) to develop novel strategies for the assembly, patterning and functionalization of nanoscale surface features for specific sensor applications. Key features of this project include the development of macromolecular systems for the end specific assembly of multifunctional TMV-VLPs, an open channel microfluidic platform with integrated impedance sensing electrodes, a rapid microfluidic VLP assembly and functionalization system and the demonstration of label-free antibody sensing at detection limits of 55 pM, representing a 100-fold improvement over previous VLP-based sensors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1051290
Entities
People
- James N Culver
- Reza Ghodssi
Organizations
- University of Maryland