Protein sensing using fluorescent polymers and nanoparticle-polymer complexes

ORGN 43

Vincent M Rotello, rotello@chem.umass.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, 710 N. Pleasant, 701 LGRT, Amherst, MA 01003 and Uwe H. F. Bunz, uwe.bunz@chemistry.gatech.edu, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332.
Most biomolecular recognition processes in biology occur via specific interactions. Sensory processes such as taste and smell, however, use “differential” binding where the receptors bind to their analytes by different binding characteristics that are selective rather then specific. In our research, we are exploiting the tunability and size of polymers and nanoparticles to provide sensors for biomacromolecules including proteins. In our research, we have used nanoparticle-fluorescent polymer complexes to identify and quantify proteins. where the nanoparticle surface provides the functional diversity required for protein differentiation. We have also demonstrated that a fluorescent polymer array can be used directly for the differentiation of proteins. Ongoing research focuses on the use of these sensors in biological fluids as well as their use to identify bacteria.
 

Novel Fluorophores
1:00 PM-5:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R05, Oral

Division of Organic Chemistry

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008