Functionalized Polymers as Receptors for Detection of Cells

Abstract

Mass sensitive sensors were applied for fast and label-free detection of bio-analytes. Robust and miniaturized sensor devices were fabricated by combining bio-mimetic imprinted surfaces with quartz crystal microbalances for the analysis of yeast and bacteria cells. These sensors allow us to differentiate between different growing stages of yeast cells. Moreover, the viability of cells was detected by structuring quartz crystal microbalance electrodes like a grid. Artificial yeast cells were produced to pattern the recognition layer, giving reversible enrichment of the respective bio-analytes. This approach was followed to ensure the reproducibility of the identical sensitive material in each case, because the properties of each cell depend on its growth stage, which varies over time. The strategy was further applied to develop a sensitive system for Escherichia coli. Structuring of these materials by soft lithography allows differentiation between cell strains, e.g. E. coli (strain W & B) with a five-fold selectivity.