Crosslinked Polymer Biosurfaces for Reliable Sensor Functionalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable surface functionalization of sensor structures to anchor biomolecules for performing assays remains a challenge, particularly in sensors like Giant Magneto Resistance (GMR) sensors, which are used for multiplex assays with high sensitivity and low cost in a compact system.
Innovation Solution
The use of polymer compositions comprising hydrophilic polymers such as PEG, PHEMA, and crosslinking reagents to create biosurfaces on sensors, which do not include block co-polymers of PEG and PHEMA, allowing for effective attachment of biomolecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If block co-polymers of PEG and PHEMA are used for surface functionalization, then biomolecule attachment is achieved, but biosurface stability and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the polymer composition into separate homogeneous PEG polymer chains and separate PHEMA polymer chains rather than using block co-polymers. This segmentation allows each polymer type to maintain its own structural integrity and functional properties independently, contributing to overall biosurface stability while achieving biomolecule attachment through the PEG component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining homogeneous PEG polymers with homogeneous PHEMA polymers in a crosslinked network. This composite approach leverages the hydrophilic and attachment properties of PEG alongside the structural and stabilizing properties of PHEMA, achieving reliable biosurfaces without the complications of block co-polymer structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex block co-polymer structures are used, then biomolecule anchoring capability is achieved, but manufacturing precision and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the polymer system into separate PEG and PHEMA components rather than synthesizing complex block co-polymers, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. Each homogeneous polymer can be independently synthesized and characterized using standard protocols, improving both ease of manufacture and precision of surface functionalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters from block co-polymer architecture to a mixture of homogeneous polymers with specific molecular weights and functional group ratios. This parameter change simplifies synthesis conditions, improves manufacturing precision by eliminating the need for controlled block copolymerization, and maintains effective biomolecule anchoring capabilities.
3Reliability
If homogeneous PEG and PHEMA polymers are crosslinked separately, then biosurface reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the crosslinking process by using a single crosslinking agent that simultaneously crosslinks both PEG and PHEMA polymers within the same biosurface matrix. This unified crosslinking approach creates an integrated network structure that enhances biomolecule anchoring reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate crosslinking processes for each polymer type.
Solution Approach 2:
The crosslinking agent employed in the patent serves multiple functions: it crosslinks PEG polymers, crosslinks PHEMA polymers, and creates inter-polymer connections within the same biosurface. This multi-functional crosslinking approach improves reliability by creating a unified stable network while reducing overall process complexity compared to using different crosslinking agents for each polymer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymer compositions enable stable and efficient biosurfaces for detecting target analytes with high sensitivity and low cost, addressing the challenge of reliable biomolecule anchoring on sensor surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinking reagent crosslinking the at least two hydrophilic polymers
Data Source
AI summary
Polymer compositions comprising, inter alia, at least two hydrophilic polymers and a crosslinking reagent, biosurfaces comprising such polymer compositions, and methods of creating such biosurfaces by disposing such polymer compositions on sensor surfaces are provided. Sensor surfaces coated with such polymer compositions and biosurfaces are amenable, inter alia, to use in methods and devices for detecting, measuring, and/or quantifying one or more analytes in one or more query samples.