Activity study of self-assembled proteins on nanoscale diblock copolymer templates

Self-Assembled Block Copolymers as a Facile Pathway to Create Functional Nanobiosensor and Nanobiomaterial Surfaces

Block copolymer (BCP) surfaces permit an exquisite level of nanoscale control in biomolecular assemblies solely based on self-assembly. Owing to this, BCP-based biomolecular assembly represents a much-needed, new paradigm for creating nanobiosensors and nanobiomaterials without the need for costly and time-consuming fabrication steps. Research endeavors in the BCP nanobiotechnology field have led to stimulating results that can promote our current understanding of biomolecular interactions at a solid interface to the never-explored size regimes comparable to individual biomolecules. Encouraging research outcomes have also been reported for the stability and activity of biomolecules bound on BCP thin film surfaces. A wide range of single and multicomponent biomolecules and BCP systems has been assessed to substantiate the potential utility in practical applications as next-generation nanobiosensors, nanobiodevices, and biomaterials. To this end, this Review highlights pioneering research efforts made in the BCP nanobiotechnology area. The discussions will be focused on those works particularly pertaining to nanoscale surface assembly of functional biomolecules, biomolecular interaction properties unique to nanoscale polymer interfaces, functionality of nanoscale surface-bound biomolecules, and specific examples in biosensing. Systems involving the incorporation of biomolecules as one of the blocks in BCPs, i.e., DNA-BCP hybrids, protein-BCP conjugates, and isolated BCP micelles of bioligand carriers used in drug delivery, are outside of the scope of this Review. Looking ahead, there awaits plenty of exciting research opportunities to advance the research field of BCP nanobiotechnology by capitalizing on the fundamental groundwork laid so far for the biomolecular interactions on BCP surfaces. In order to better guide the path forward, key fundamental questions yet to be addressed by the field are identified. In addition, future research directions of BCP nanobiotechnology are contemplated in the concluding section of this Review.

Preparation, Properties, and Bioapplications of Block Copolymer Nanopatterns

Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly has emerged as a feasible method for large-scale fabrication with remarkable precision - features that are not common for most of the nanofabrication techniques. In this review, recent advancements in the molecular design of BCP along with state-of-the-art processing methodologies based on microphase separation alone or its combination with different lithography methods are presented. Furthermore, the bioapplications of the generated nanopatterns in the development of protein arrays, cell-selective surfaces, and antibacterial coatings are explored. Finally, the current challenges in the field are outlined and the potential breakthroughs that can be achieved by adopting BCP approaches already applied in the fabrication of electronic devices are discussed.

Distinctive Adsorption Mechanism and Kinetics of Immunoglobulin G on a Nanoscale Polymer Surface

Elucidation of protein adsorption beyond simple polymer surfaces to those presenting greater chemical complexity and nanoscopic features is critical to developing well-controlled nanobiomaterials and nanobiosensors. In this study, we repeatedly and faithfully track individual proteins on the same nanodomain areas of a block copolymer (BCP) surface and monitor the adsorption and assembly behavior of a model protein, immunoglobulin G (IgG), over time into a tight surface-packed structure. With discrete protein adsorption events unambiguously visualized at the biomolecular level, the detailed assembly and packing states of IgG on the BCP nanodomain surface are subsequently correlated to various regimes of IgG adsorption kinetic plots. Intriguing features, entirely different from those observed from macroscopic homopolymer templates, are identified from the IgG adsorption isotherms on the nanoscale, chemically varying BCP surface. They include the presence of two Langmuir-like adsorption segments and a nonmonotonic regime in the adsorption plot. Via correlation to time-corresponding topographic data, the unique isotherm features are explained with single biomolecule level details of the IgG adsorption pathway on the BCP. This work not only provides much needed, direct experimental evidence for time-resolved, single protein level, adsorption events on nanoscale polymer surfaces but also signifies mutual linking between specific topographic states of protein adsorption and assembly to particular segments of adsorption isotherms. From the fundamental research viewpoint, the correlative ability to examine the nanoscopic surface organizations of individual proteins and their local as well as global adsorption kinetic profiles will be highly valuable for accurately determining protein assembly mechanisms and interpreting protein adsorption kinetics on nanoscale surfaces. Application-wise, such knowledge will also be important for fundamentally guiding the design and development of biomaterials and biomedical devices that exploit nanoscale polymer architectures.

Protein-Polymer Interaction Characteristics Unique to Nanoscale Interfaces: A Perspective on Recent Insights

Protein interactions at polymer interfaces represent a complex but ubiquitous phenomenon that demands an entirely different focus of investigation than what has been attempted before. With the advancement of nanoscience and nanotechnology, the nature of polymer materials interfacing proteins has evolved to exhibit greater chemical intricacy and smaller physical dimensions. Existing knowledge built from studying the interaction of macroscopic, chemically alike surfaces with an ensemble of protein molecules cannot be simply carried over to nanoscale protein-polymer interactions. In this Perspective, novel protein interaction phenomena driven by the presence of nanoscale polymer interfaces are discussed. Being able to discern discrete protein interaction events via simple visualization was crucial to attaining the much needed, direct experimental evidence of protein-polymer interactions at the single biomolecule level. Spatial and temporal tracking of particular proteins at specific polymer interfaces was made possible by resolving individual proteins simultaneously with those polymer nanodomains responsible for the protein interactions. Therefore, such single biomolecule level approaches taken to examine protein-polymer interaction mark a big departure from the mainstream approaches of collecting indirectly observed, ensemble-averaged protein signals on chemically simple substrates. Spearheading research efforts so far has led to inspiring initial discoveries of protein interaction mechanisms and kinetics that are entirely unique to nanoscale polymer systems. They include protein self-assembly/packing characteristics, protein-polymer interaction mechanisms/kinetics, and various protein functionalities on polymer nanoconstructs. The promising beginning and future of nanoscale protein-polymer research endeavors are presented in this article.

Contrasting Chemistry of Block Copolymer Films Controls the Dynamics of Protein Self-Assembly at the Nanoscale

Biological systems are able to control the assembly and positioning of proteins with nanoscale precision, as exemplified by the intricate molecular structures within cell membranes, virus capsids, and collagen matrices. Controlling the assembly of biomolecules is critical for the use of biomaterials in artificial systems such as antibacterial coatings, engineered tissue samples, and implanted medical devices. Furthermore, understanding the dynamics of protein assembly on heterogeneous templates will ultimately enable the control of protein crystallization in general. Here, we show a biomimetic, hierarchical bottom-up approach to direct the self-assembly of crystalline S-layers through nonspecific interactions with nanostructured block copolymer (BCP) thin-film templates. A comparison between physically and chemically patterned BCP substrates shows that chemical heterogeneity is required to confine the adhesion and self-assembly of S-layers to specific BCP domains. Furthermore, we show that this mechanism can be extended to direct the formation of collagen fibers along the principal direction of the underlying BCP substrate. The dynamics of protein self-assembly at the solid-liquid interface are followed using in situ high-resolution atomic force microscopy under continuous flow conditions, allowing the determination of the rate constants of the self-assembly. A pattern of alternating, chemically distinct nanoscale domains drastically increases the rate of self-assembly compared to non-patterned chemically homogeneous substrates.

The design and biomedical applications of self-assembled two-dimensional organic biomaterials

Self-assembling 2D organic biomaterials exhibit versatile abilities for structural and functional tailoring, as well as high potential for biomedical applications.

Revealing the principal attributes of protein adsorption on block copolymer surfaces with direct experimental evidence at the single protein level

Understanding protein adsorption onto polymer surfaces is of great importance in designing biomaterials, improving bioanalytical devices, and controlling biofouling, to name a few examples. Although steady research efforts have been advancing this field, our knowledge of this ubiquitous and complex phenomenon is still limited. In this study, we elucidate competitive protein adsorption behaviors sequentially occurring onto nanoscale block copolymer (BCP) surfaces via combined experimental and computer simulation approaches. The model systems chosen for our investigation are immunoglobulin G and fibrinogen introduced in different orders into the self-assembled nanodomains of poly(styrene)-block-poly(methylmethacrylate). We unambiguously reveal the adsorption, desorption, and replacement events of the same protein molecules via single protein tracking with atomic force microscopy. We then ascertain adsorption-related behaviors such as lateral mobility and self-association of proteins. We provide the much-needed, direct experimental proof of sequential adsorption events at the biomolecular level, which was virtually nonexistent before. We determine key protein adsorption pathways and dominant tendencies of sequential protein adsorption. We also reveal preadsorbed surface-associated behaviors in sequential adsorption, distinct from situations involving initially empty surfaces. We perform Monte-Carlo simulations to further substantiate our experimental outcomes. Our endeavors in this study may facilitate a well-guided mechanistic understanding of protein-polymer interactions by providing definite experimental evidence of competitive, sequential adsorption at the nanoscale. Increasingly, biomaterial and biomedical applications rely on systems of multicomponent proteins and chemically intricate, nanoscale polymer surfaces. Hence, our findings can also be beneficial for the development of next-generation nanobiomaterials and nanobiosensors exploiting self-assembled BCP nanodomain surfaces.

Controlling Protein Adsorption through Nanostructured Polymeric Surfaces

The initial host response to healthcare materials' surfaces after implantation is the adsorption of proteins from blood and interstitial fluids. This adsorbed protein layer modulates the biological/cellular responses to healthcare materials. This stresses the significance of the surface protein assembly for the biocompatibility and functionality of biomaterials and necessitates a profound fundamental understanding of the capability to control protein-surface interactions. This review, therefore, addresses this by systematically analyzing and discussing strategies to control protein adsorption on polymeric healthcare materials through the introduction of specific surface nanostructures. Relevant proteins, healthcare materials' surface properties, clinical applications of polymer healthcare materials, fabrication methods for nanostructured polymer surfaces, amorphous, semicrystalline and block copolymers are considered with a special emphasis on the topographical control of protein adsorption. The review shows that nanostructured polymer surfaces are powerful tools to control the amount, orientation, and order of adsorbed protein layers. It also shows that the understanding of the biological responses to such ordered protein adsorption is still in its infancy, yet it has immense potential for future healthcare materials. The review, which is-as far as it is known-the first one discussing protein adsorption on nanostructured polymer surfaces, concludes with highlighting important current research questions.

Molecularly imprinted polymer membranes and thin films for the separation and sensing of biomacromolecules

This review describes recent advances associated with the development of surface imprinting methods for the synthesis of polymeric membranes and thin films, which possess the capability to selectively and specifically recognize biomacromolecules, such as proteins and single- and double-stranded DNA, employing "epitope" or "whole molecule" approaches. Synthetic procedures to create different molecularly imprinted polymer membranes or thin films are discussed, including grafting/in situ polymerization, drop-, dip-, or spin-coating procedures, electropolymerization as well as micro-contact or stamp lithography imprinting methods. Highly sensitive techniques for surface characterization and analyte detection are described, encompassing luminescence and fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and surface plasmon resonance. These developments are providing new avenues to produce bioelectronic sensors and new ways to explore through advanced separation science procedures complex phenomena associated with the origins of biorecognition in nature.

Ascertaining effects of nanoscale polymeric interfaces on competitive protein adsorption at the individual protein level

With the recent development of biomaterials and biodevices with reduced dimensionality, it is critical to comprehend protein adhesion processes to nanoscale solid surfaces, especially those occurring in a competitive adsorption environment. Complex sequences of adhesion events in competitive adsorption involving multicomponent protein systems have been extensively investigated, but our understanding is still limited primarily to macroscopic adhesion onto chemically simple surfaces. We examine the competitive adsorption behavior from a binary protein mixture containing bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen at the single protein level. We subsequently evaluate a series of adsorption and displacement processes occurring on both the macroscopic homopolymer and nanoscopic diblock copolymer surfaces, while systematically varying the protein concentration and incubation time. We identify the similarities and dissimilarities in competitive protein adsorption behavior between the two polymeric surfaces, the former presenting chemical uniformity at macroscale versus the latter exhibiting periodic nanointerfaces of chemically alternating polymeric segments. We then present our novel experimental finding of a large increase in the nanointerface-engaged residence time of the initially bound proteins and further explain the origin of this phenomenon manifested on nanoscale diblock copolymer surfaces. The outcomes of this study may provide timely insight into nanoscale competitive protein adsorption that is much needed in designing bioimplant and tissue engineering materials. In addition, the fundamental understanding gained from this study can be beneficial for the development of highly miniaturized biodevices and biomaterials fabricated by using nanoscale polymeric materials and interfaces.

Design of Self-Assembling Protein-Polymer Conjugates

Protein-polymer conjugates are of particular interest for nanobiotechnology applications because of the various and complementary roles that each component may play in composite hybrid-materials. This chapter focuses on the design principles and applications of self-assembling protein-polymer conjugate materials. We address the general design methodology, from both synthetic and genetic perspective, conjugation strategies, protein vs. polymer driven self-assembly and finally, emerging applications for conjugate materials. By marrying proteins and polymers into conjugated bio-hybrid materials, materials scientists, chemists, and biologists alike, have at their fingertips a vast toolkit for material design. These inherently hierarchical structures give rise to useful patterning, mechanical and transport properties that may help realize new, more efficient materials for energy generation, catalysis, nanorobots, etc.

Bioinspired polymer vesicles and membranes for biological and medical applications

Biological membranes play an essential role in living organisms by providing stable and functional compartments, supporting signalling and selective transport. Combining synthetic polymer membranes with biological molecules promises to be an effective strategy to mimic the functions of cell membranes and apply them in artificial systems.

Hierarchically ordered nanopatterns for spatial control of biomolecules

The development and study of a benchtop, high-throughput, and inexpensive fabrication strategy to obtain hierarchical patterns of biomolecules with sub-50 nm resolution is presented. A diblock copolymer of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide), PS-b-PEO, is synthesized with biotin capping the PEO block and 4-bromostyrene copolymerized within the polystyrene block at 5 wt %. These two handles allow thin films of the block copolymer to be postfunctionalized with biotinylated biomolecules of interest and to obtain micropatterns of nanoscale-ordered films via photolithography. The design of this single polymer further allows access to two distinct superficial nanopatterns (lines and dots), where the PEO cylinders are oriented parallel or perpendicular to the substrate. Moreover, we present a strategy to obtain hierarchical mixed morphologies: a thin-film coating of cylinders both parallel and perpendicular to the substrate can be obtained by tuning the solvent annealing and irradiation conditions.

Fundamentals of nanoscale polymer-protein interactions and potential contributions to solid-state nanobioarrays

Protein adsorption onto polymer surfaces is a very complex, ubiquitous, and integrated process, impacting essential areas of food processing and packaging, health devices, diagnostic tools, and medical products. The nature of protein-surface interactions is becoming much more complicated with continuous efforts toward miniaturization, especially for the development of highly compact protein detection and diagnostic devices. A large body of literature reports on protein adsorption from the perspective of ensemble-averaged behavior on macroscopic, chemically homogeneous, polymeric surfaces. However, protein-surface interactions governing the nanoscale size regime may not be effectively inferred from their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Recently, research efforts have been made to produce periodically arranged, nanoscopic protein patterns on diblock copolymer surfaces solely through self-assembly. Intriguing protein adsorption phenomena are directly probed on the individual biomolecule level for a fundamental understanding of protein adsorption on nanoscale surfaces exhibiting varying degrees of chemical heterogeneity. Insight gained from protein assembly on diblock copolymers can be effectively used to control the surface density, conformation, orientation, and biofunctionality of prebound proteins in highly miniaturized applications, now approaching the nanoscale. This feature article will highlight recent experimental and theoretical advances made on these fronts while focusing on single-biomolecule-level investigations of protein adsorption behavior combined with surface chemical heterogeneity on the length scale commensurate with a single protein. This article will also address advantages and challenges of the self-assembly-driven patterning technology used to produce protein nanoarrays and its implications for ultrahigh density, functional, and quantifiable protein detection in a highly miniaturized format.

Distinct adsorption configurations and self-assembly characteristics of fibrinogen on chemically uniform and alternating surfaces including block copolymer nanodomains

Understanding protein-surface interactions is crucial to solid-state biomedical applications whose functionality is directly correlated with the precise control of the adsorption configuration, surface packing, loading density, and bioactivity of protein molecules. Because of the small dimensions and highly amphiphilic nature of proteins, investigation of protein adsorption performed on nanoscale topology can shed light on subprotein-level interaction preferences. In this study, we examine the adsorption and assembly behavior of a highly elongated protein, fibrinogen, on both chemically uniform (as-is and buffered HF-treated SiO2/Si, and homopolymers of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate)) and varying (polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)) surfaces. By focusing on high-resolution imaging of individual protein molecules whose configurations are influenced by protein-surface rather than protein-protein interactions, fibrinogen conformations characteristic to each surface are identified and statistically analyzed for structural similarities/differences in key protein domains. By exploiting block copolymer nanodomains whose repeat distance is commensurate with the length of the individual protein, we determine that fibrinogen exhibits a more neutral tendency for interaction with both polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) blocks relative to the case of common globular proteins. Factors affecting fibrinogen-polymer interactions are discussed in terms of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. In addition, assembly and packing attributes of fibrinogen are determined at different loading conditions. Primary orientations of fibrinogen and its rearrangements with respect to the underlying diblock nanodomains associated with different surface coverage are explained by pertinent protein interaction mechanisms. On the basis of two-dimensional stacking behavior, a protein assembly model is proposed for the formation of an extended fibrinogen network on the diblock copolymer.

A review of block copolymer-based biomaterials that control protein and cell interactions

Block copolymers posses the ability to phase separate into micro and nanoscale patterns resulting in nonhomogeneous surfaces and solids. This nonhomogeneity has been harnessed to improve mechanical properties, control degradation, and add functionality to biomaterials. The ability of block copolymers to generate a wide variety of surface chemistries and morphologies can also be harnessed to control protein adsorption, protein conformation, and cell adhesion. Proteins and cells will respond to periodically structured surfaces, so block copolymers have a great deal of potential as biomaterials. This review will explore the ability of block copolymers to control specific biological responses such as cell adhesion, protein adsorption and conformation, parameters that govern the overall host response to a material. In addition, some of the specific applications of block copolymer, antithrombogenic materials and their ability to pattern proteins, will be discussed.

Nanoscale protein arrays of rich morphologies via self-assembly on chemically treated diblock copolymer surfaces

Well-controlled assembly of proteins on supramolecular templates of block copolymers can be extremely useful for high-throughput biodetection. We report the adsorption and assembly characteristics of a model antibody protein to various polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) templates whose distinctive nanoscale structures are obtained through time-regulated exposure to chloroform vapor. The strong adsorption preference of the protein to the polystyrene segment in the diblock copolymer templates leads to an easily predictable, controllable, rich set of nanoscale protein morphologies through self-assembly. We also demonstrate that the chemical identities of various subareas within individual nanostructures can be readily elucidated by investigating the corresponding protein adsorption behavior on each chemically distinct area of the template. In our approach, a rich set of intricate nanoscale morphologies of protein arrays that cannot be easily attained through other means can be generated straightforwardly via self-assembly of proteins on chemically treated diblock copolymer surfaces, without the use of clean-room-based fabrication tools. Our approach provides much-needed flexibility and versatility for the use of block copolymer-based protein arrays in biodetection. The ease of fabrication in producing well-defined and self-assembled templates can contribute to a high degree of versatility and simplicity in acquiring an intricate nanoscale geometry and spatial distribution of proteins in arrays. These advantages can be extremely beneficial both for fundamental research and biomedical detection, especially in the areas of solid-state-based, high-throughput protein sensing.

Two dimensional nanoarrays of individual protein molecules

Protein molecules on solid surfaces are essential to a number of applications, such as biosensors, biomaterials, and drug delivery. In most approaches for protein immobilization, inter-molecular distances on the solid surface are not controlled and this may lead to aggregation and crowding. Here, a simple approach to immobilize individual protein molecules in a well-ordered 2D array is shown, using nanopatterns obtained from a polystyrene-block-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PHEMA) diblock copolymer thin film. This water-stable and protein-resistant polymer film contains hexagonally ordered PS cylindrical domains in a PHEMA matrix. The PS domains are activated by incorporating alkyne-functionalized PS and immobilizing azide-tagged proteins specifically onto each PS domain using "Click" chemistry. The nanometer size of the PS domain dictates that each domain can accommodate no more than one protein molecule, as verified by atomic force microscopy imaging. Immunoassay shows that the amount of specifically bound antibody scales with the number density of individual protein molecules on the 2D nanoarrays.

Nanoscale topography mediates the adhesion of F-actin

Using a controllable nanoengineered surface that alters the dynamics of filamentous actin (F-actin) adhesion, we studied the tunability of biomolecular surface attachment. By grafting aminated nanoparticles, NPs, with diameters ranging from 12 to 85 nm to a random copolymer film, precise control over surface roughness parameters is realized. The ability to selectively generate monodisperse or polydisperse features of varying size and areal density leads to immobilized, side-on wobbly, or end-on F-actin binding as characterized by total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. The interaction between the surface and actin is explained by a worm-like chain model that balances the bending energy penalty required for actin to conform to topographical features with the electrostatic attraction engineered into the surface. A Myosin V motility assay demonstrates that electrostatically immobilized actin retains its ability to direct myosin motion, indicating that nanoengineered surfaces are attractive candidates for biomolecular device fabrication.

Elucidation of novel nanostructures by time-lapse monitoring of polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine under chemical treatment

Nanoscale micellar structures of polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-PVP) diblock copolymers have proven their effectiveness in lithography and biological detection by serving as a choice material to produce nanoscale guides and delivery systems in a straightforward and rapid manner through self-assembly. Such applications can greatly benefit from having high versatility for the selection of template sizes (pattern repeat spacing) and shapes (pattern geometry), especially when reaching a size regime that conventional top-down fabrication techniques may not readily be able to provide desired feature dimensions. Selective chemical treatments of the diblock copolymers are one of the useful methods yielding a rich set of nanoscale features on PS-b-PVP. Exposure to selective vapor can induce reorganization of the polymeric chains of PS-b-PVP and alter the original micellar nanostructures. In this Article, we identify for the first time a host of new nanostructures formed at different stages of chloroform vapor annealing by performing time-lapse atomic force microscopy measurements. We determine key, time-dependent, topological parameters defining each nanostructure and present the likely scenario of polymeric chain reorganization during the morphological evolution of the diblock polymer nanodomains over time. We also ascertain intermediate morphological states containing the characteristic nanostructures from two consecutive phases as well as transition states appearing for a short time in between two subsequent phases. These research efforts may not only provide insight into the domain evolution steps of the micellar to the cylindrical structures of PS-b-PVP but may also be technologically advantageous for subwavelength mask design in nanolithography and high-density array fabrication in high throughput biodetection.

Functional polymers in protein detection platforms: optical, electrochemical, electrical, mass-sensitive, and magnetic biosensors

The rapidly growing field of proteomics and related applied sectors in the life sciences demands convenient methodologies for detecting and measuring the levels of specific proteins as well as for screening and analyzing for interacting protein systems. Materials utilized for such protein detection and measurement platforms should meet particular specifications which include ease-of-mass manufacture, biological stability, chemical functionality, cost effectiveness, and portability. Polymers can satisfy many of these requirements and are often considered as choice materials in various biological detection platforms. Therefore, tremendous research efforts have been made for developing new polymers both in macroscopic and nanoscopic length scales as well as applying existing polymeric materials for protein measurements. In this review article, both conventional and alternative techniques for protein detection are overviewed while focusing on the use of various polymeric materials in different protein sensing technologies. Among many available detection mechanisms, most common approaches such as optical, electrochemical, electrical, mass-sensitive, and magnetic methods are comprehensively discussed in this article. Desired properties of polymers exploited for each type of protein detection approach are summarized. Current challenges associated with the application of polymeric materials are examined in each protein detection category. Difficulties facing both quantitative and qualitative protein measurements are also identified. The latest efforts on the development and evaluation of nanoscale polymeric systems for improved protein detection are also discussed from the standpoint of quantitative and qualitative measurements. Finally, future research directions towards further advancements in the field are considered.

Protein nanoarrays on a highly-oriented lamellar surface

Unidirectional protein nanoarrays were fabricated on a highly-aligned block copolymer lamellar surface, and these bioactive protein nanoarrays will be useful in biological assays.

The effect of fluid flow on selective protein adsorption on polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers

The effect of fluid flow on protein patterning and the stability of the adsorbed protein array templated by polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) has been investigated. Protein nanoarrays can be formed on a PS-b-PMMA copolymer surface by physisorption and rinsing with an open flow. The protein arrays inherit the original hexagonal pattern generated by the phase separation of PS-b-PMMA with the proteins only residing on the PS domains. Subsequent analysis of the protein array stability under confined flow field reveals that the array integrity is strongly dependent on the flow velocity and the duration time. The interplay between the intermolecular forces and the hydrodynamic shear force has been discussed in detail. A simplified model has been proposed to explain the site-selective adsorption and protein migration under the shear of fluid flow. This study provides valuable information on the formation mechanism and stability of physisorbed protein nanopatterns under conditions concerning biosensing applications. It also represents an explorative study of protein adsorption under hydrodynamic flow conditions, which may assist in better designs of fluidic devices relevant to protein studies.

Protein nanopatterning on self-organized poly(styrene-b-isoprene) thin film templates

Templated surfaces can be used to create patterns of proteins for applications in cell biology, biosensors, and tissue engineering. A diblock copolymer template, which contains a pair of hydrophobic blocks, has been developed. The template is created from well-ordered, nonequilibrium surface structures of poly(styrene-b-isoprene) (PS-b-PI) diblock copolymers, which are achieved in ultrathin films having a thickness of less than one domain period. Adsorption and nanopatterning of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on these thin films were studied. After incubation of the copolymer templates in BSA solutions (500 microg/mL) for a period of 1 h, BSA molecules formed either a striped or a dense, ringlike structure, closely resembling the underlying polymer templates. In this "hard-soft" PS-b-PI system, BSA molecules were preferentially adsorbed on the hard PS domains, rather than on the soft PI domains. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and contact angle analysis revealed that, with more PI localized at the free surface, fewer BSA molecules were adsorbed. SIMS analysis confirmed that BSA molecules were adsorbed selectively on the PS blocks. This is the first example of two hydrophobic blocks of a diblock copolymer being used as a protein patterning template. Previously reported diblock copolymer templates used hydrophilic and hydrophobic pairs. A potentially useful characteristic of this template is that it is effective at high protein solution concentrations (up to 1 mg/mL) and for long incubation times (up to 2 h), which broadens its range of applicability in various uses.

Dewetting of polystyrene thin films on poly(ethylene glycol)-modified surfaces as a simple approach for patterning proteins

A simple technique for patterning proteins utilizing dewetted polystyrene (PS) droplets is demonstrated. A polystyrene thin film was spin coated on a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) silane-modified surface. As the PS film dewets from the surface, upon annealing, to form droplets, the PEG-silane-modified surface is exposed, which retains its capability to resist protein adsorption, and the PS droplets allow the selective adsorption of proteins. In contrast to the undewetted flat PS film, the droplet surface had a greater amount of adsorbed proteins. Atomic force microscopy scans reveal that the roughness of the droplet surface is higher, and a multilayer of proteins results on the droplet surface. Moreover, micro- and nanoscale droplet patterns can easily be achieved by tuning the thickness of PS thin films. Because dewetting approaches for generating ordered dewetting droplets have been successfully generated by others, those approaches could be easily combined with this technique to fabricate ordered protein patterns.