DNA Hybridization on Plasma-Polymerized Allylamine

Surface Plasmon-Assisted Fluorescence Enhancing and Quenching: From Theory to Application

The integration of surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence yields a multiaspect improvement in surface fluorescence sensing and imaging, leading to a paradigm shift of surface plasmon-assisted fluorescence techniques, for example, surface plasmon enhanced field fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon coupled emission (SPCE), and SPCE imaging. This Review aims to characterize the unique optical property with a common physical interpretation and diverse surface architecture-based measurements. The fundamental electromagnetic theory is employed to comprehensively unveil the fluorophore-surface plasmon interaction, and the associated surface-modification design is liberally highlighted to balance the surface plasmon-induced fluorescence-enhancement efforts and the surface plasmon-caused fluorescence-quenching effects. In particular, all types of surface structures, for example, silicon, carbon, protein, DNA, polymer, and multilayer, are systematically interrogated in terms of component, thickness, stiffness, and functionality. As a highly interdisciplinary and expanding field in physics, optics, chemistry, and surface chemistry, this Review could be of great interest to a broad readership, in particular, among physical chemists, analytical chemists, and in surface-based sensing and imaging studies.

Immobilization of DNA aptamers via plasma polymerized allylamine film to construct an endothelial progenitor cell-capture surface

The endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) capture stent has drawn increasing attentions and become one of the most promising concepts for the next generation vascular stent. In this regard, it is of great significance to immobilize a molecule with the ability to bind EPC for rapid in vivo endothelialization with high specificity. In this work, a facile two-step method aimed at constructing a coating with specific EPC capturing aptamers is reported. The processes involves as the first-step deposition of plasma polymerized allylamine (PPAam) on a substrate to introduce amine groups, followed by the electrostatic adsorption of a 34 bases single strand DNA sequence to the PPAam surface as a second step (PPAam-DNA). Grazing incidence attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (GATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful immobilization of the aptamers. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) real time monitoring result shows that about 175 ng/cm(2) aptamers were conjugated onto the PPAam surface. The interactions between the modified surfaces and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and murine induced EPCs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also investigated. It was demonstrated that PPAam-DNA samples could capture more EPCs, and present a cellular friendly surface for the proliferation of both EPCs and ECs but no effect on the hyperplasia of SMCs. Also, the co-culture results of 3 types of cells confirmed that the aptamer could specifically bond EPCs rather than ECs and SMCs, suggesting the competitive adhesion advantage of EPCs to ECs and SMCs. These data demonstrate that the EPC aptamer has large potential for designing an EPC captured stent and other vascular grafts with targeted in situ endothelialization.

Kinetic mechanisms in morpholino-DNA surface hybridization

Morpholinos (MOs) are DNA analogues whose uncharged nature can bring fundamental advantages to surface hybridization technologies such as DNA microarrays, by using MOs as the immobilized, or "probe", species. Advancement of MO-based diagnostics, however, is challenged by limited understanding of the surface organization of MO molecules and of how this organization impacts hybridization kinetics and thermodynamics. The present study focuses on hybridization kinetics between monolayers of MO probes and DNA targets as a function of the instantaneous extent of hybridization (i.e., duplex coverage), total probe coverage, and ionic strength. Intriguingly, these experiments reveal distinct kinetic stages, none of which are consistent with Langmuir kinetics. The initial stage, in which duplex coverage remains relatively sparse, indicates confluence of two effects: blockage of target access to unhybridized probes by previously formed duplexes and deactivation of the solid support due to consumption of probe molecules. This interpretation is consistent with a surface organization in which unhybridized MO probes localize near the solid support, underneath a layer of MO-DNA duplexes. As duplex coverage builds, provided saturation is not reached first, the initial stage can transition to an unusual regime characterized by near independence of hybridization rate on duplex coverage, followed by a prolonged approach to equilibrium. The possible origins of these more complex latter behaviors are discussed. Comparison with published data for DNA and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes is carried out to look for universal trends in kinetics. This comparison reveals qualitative similarities when comparable surface organization of probes is expected. In addition, MO monolayers are found capable of a broad range of reactivities that span reported values for PNA and DNA probes.

Biosensors based on surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy

The implementation of surface plasmon-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS) to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors enables increasing their sensitivity by several orders of magnitude. In SPR-based biosensors, surface plasmons probe the binding of target molecules contained in a liquid sample by their affinity partners attached to a metallic sensor surface. SPR biosensors relying on the detection of refractive index changes allow for direct observation of the binding of large and medium size molecules that produces sufficiently large refractive index changes. In SPR biosensors exploiting SPFS, the capture of fluorophore-labeled molecules to the sensor surface is observed by the detection of fluorescence light emitted from the surface. This technique takes advantage of the enhanced intensity of electromagnetic field accompanied with the resonant excitation of surface plasmons. The interaction with surface plasmons can greatly increase the measured fluorescence signal through enhancing the excitation rate of fluorophores and by more efficient collecting of fluorescence light. SPFS-based biosensors were shown to enable the analysis of samples with extremely low analyte concentrations and the detection of small molecules. In this review, we describe the fundamental principles, implementations, and current state of the art applications of SPFS biosensors. This review focuses on SPFS-based biosensors employing the excitation of surface plasmons on continuous metal-dielectric interfaces.

The detection of DNA hybridization on phosphorus dendrimer multilayer films by surface plasmon field enhanced-fluorescence spectroscopy

Dendrimer multilayers on gold substrates prepared via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique were characterized and used as substrates for DNA immobilization/hybridization. The multilayers, built using alternately polycationic and polyanionic phosphorus dendrimers of generation 4, were studied by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. By varying the concentration of NaCl, the optimized optical thickness of a single dendrimer layer (about 4.5 nm) was achieved. Using the multilayers as the substrate, a high loading of DNA probes was obtained through covalent coupling of probe DNA on dendrimer multilayer film. The following hybridization of Cy5-dye labeled complementary target DNA with immobilized probe DNA was detected by surface plasmon field-enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS). The limit of detection of target DNA upon hybridization reached 50 pM and 30 pM on 1 bilayer and 4 bilayers, respectively. The phosphorus dendrimer multilayer films display high stability during repeated regeneration and hybridization cycles. The sensitive platforms based on dendrimer multilayers deposited in the presence of NaCl make them attractive candidates for application in DNA sensing.

Kinetics of oligonucleotide hybridization to DNA probe arrays on high-capacity porous silica substrates

We have investigated the kinetics of DNA hybridization to oligonucleotide arrays on high-capacity porous silica films that were deposited by two techniques. Films created by spin coating pure colloidal silica suspensions onto a substrate had pores of approximately 23 nm, relatively low porosity (35%), and a surface area of 17 times flat glass (for a 0.3-microm film). In the second method, latex particles were codeposited with the silica by spin coating and then pyrolyzed, which resulted in larger pores (36 nm), higher porosity (65%), and higher surface area (26 times flat glass for a 0.3-microm film). As a result of these favorable properties, the templated silica hybridized more quickly and reached a higher adsorbed target density (11 vs. 8 times flat glass at 22 degrees C) than the pure silica. Adsorption of DNA onto the high-capacity films is controlled by traditional adsorption and desorption coefficients, as well as by morphology factors and transient binding interactions between the target and the probes. To describe these effects, we have developed a model based on the analogy to diffusion of a reactant in a porous catalyst. Adsorption values (k(a), k(d), and K) measured on planar arrays for the same probe/target system provide the parameters for the model and also provide an internally consistent comparison for the stability of the transient complexes. The interpretation of the model takes into account factors not previously considered for hybridization in three-dimensional films, including the potential effects of heterogeneous probe populations, partial probe/target complexes during diffusion, and non-1:1 binding structures. The transient complexes are much less stable than full duplexes (binding constants for full duplexes higher by three orders of magnitude or more), which may be a result of the unique probe density and distribution that is characteristic of the photolithographically patterned arrays. The behavior at 22 degrees C is described well by the predictive equations for morphology, whereas the behavior at 45 degrees C deviates from expectations and suggests that more complex phenomena may be occurring in that temperature regime.

Recent advances in surface plasmon resonance based techniques for bioanalysis

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful and versatile spectroscopic method for biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA) and has been well reviewed in previous years. This updated 2006 review of SPR, SPR spectroscopy, and SPR imaging explores cutting-edge technology with a focus on material, method, and instrument development. A number of recent SPR developments and interesting applications for bioanalysis are provided. Three focus topics are discussed in more detail to exemplify recent progress. They include surface plasmon fluorescence spectroscopy, nanoscale glassification of SPR substrates, and enzymatic amplification in SPR imaging. Through these examples it is clear to us that the development of SPR-based methods continues to grow, while the applications continue to diversify. Major trends appear to be present in the development of combined techniques, use of new materials, and development of new methodologies. Together, these works constitute a major thrust that could eventually make SPR a common tool for surface interaction analysis and biosensing. The future outlook for SPR and SPR-associated BIA studies, in our opinion, is very bright. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a powerful and versatile spectroscopic method for biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA) and has been well reviewed in previous years. This updated 2006 review of SPR, SPR spectroscopy, and SPR imaging explores cutting-edge technology with a focus on material, method, and instrument development. A number of recent SPR developments and interesting applications for bioanalysis are provided. Three focus topics are discussed in more detail to exemplify recent progress. They include surface plasmon fluorescence spectroscopy, nanoscale glassification of SPR substrates, and enzymatic amplification in SPR imaging. Through these examples it is clear to us that the development of SPR-based methods continues to grow, while the applications continue to diversify. Major trends appear to be present in the development of combined techniques, use of new materials, and development of new methodologies. Together, these works constitute a major thrust that could eventually make SPR a common tool for surface interaction analysis and biosensing. The future outlook for SPR and SPR-associated BIA studies, in our opinion, is very bright.

Kinetics of oligonucleotide hybridization to photolithographically patterned DNA arrays

The hybridization kinetics of oligonucleotide targets to oligonucleotide probe arrays synthesized using photolithographic fabrication methods developed by Affymetrix have been measured. Values for the fundamental adsorption parameters, k(a), k(d), and K, were determined at both room temperature and 45 degrees C by monitoring the hybridization of fluorescently labeled targets to the array. The values for these parameters and the adsorbed target density (<or=1 pmol/cm(2) at saturation) agree relatively well with published values for arrays fabricated by immobilizing intact probes. The isotherms can be fit well with the Sips model, a generalization of the Langmuir model that allows for multiple binding energies. However, binding to these arrays also displays certain characteristics that may result from the close spacing of probes on the array. At high target concentrations and 22 degrees C, an "overshoot" is observed, wherein a large amount of target binds rapidly and then desorbs to a final plateau. This binding mode may be a result of the unique nature of photolithographically patterned arrays given that targets initially can bind in lower stability binding modes by partially adsorbing to a probe and its neighbor(s), a process that can be viewed as a form of competitive hybridization for overlapping sites on a given probe. Using the values measured for k(a) and k(d), an analytical model that accounts for this behavior is proposed. Alternatively, at 45 degrees C, the adsorption approaches an initial plateau, rather than an overshoot, and then undergoes a "secondary rise" to a final value. A potential explanation for this phenomenon that is compatible with the analysis at lower temperature is offered.

Reactive Thin Polymer Films as Platforms for the Immobilization of Biomolecules

Spin-coated thin films of poly(N-hydroxysuccinimidyl methacrylate) (PNHSMA) on oxidized silicon and gold surfaces were investigated as reactive layers for obtaining platforms for biomolecule immobilization with high molecular loading. The surface reactivity of PNHSMA films in coupling reactions with various primary amines, including amine-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-NH2) and fluoresceinamine, was determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fluorescence microscopy, and ellipsometry measurements, respectively. The rate constants of PEG-NH2 attachment on the PNHSMA films were found to be significantly increased compared to the coupling on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 11,11'-dithiobis(N-hydroxysuccinimidylundecanoate) (NHS-C10) on gold under the same conditions. More significantly, the PEG loading observed was about 3 times higher for the polymer thin films. These data indicate that the coupling reactions are not limited to the very surface of the polymer films, but proceed into the near-surface regions of the films. PNHSMA films were shown to be stable in contact with aqueous buffer; the swelling analysis, as performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), indicated a film thickness independent swelling of approximately 2 nm. An increased loading was also observed by surface plasmon resonance for the covalent immobilization of amino-functionalized probe DNA. Hybridization of fluorescently labeled target DNA was successfully detected by fluorescence microscopy and surface plasmon resonance enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS), thereby demonstrating that thin films of PNHSMA comprise an attractive and simple platform for the immobilization of biomolecules with high densities.