Colorimetric Biosensors Based on Polymer/Gold Hybrid Nanoparticles: Topological Effects of the Polymer Coating

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles decorated with analyte recognition units can form the basis of colorimetric (bio)­sensors. The presentation of those recognition units may play a critical role in determining sensor sensitivity. Herein, we use a model system to investigate the effect of the architecture of a polymeric linker that connects gold nanoparticles with the recognition units. Our results show that the number of the latter that can be adsorbed during the assembly of the colorimetric sensors depends on the linker topology. We also show that this may lead to substantial differences in colorimetric sensor performance, particularly in situations in which the interactions with the analyte are comparably weak. Finally, we discuss design principles for efficient colorimetric sensor materials based on our findings.

Kinetically Controlled Site-Specific Self-assembly of Hairy Colloids

“…1,2 It allows to combine different nanomaterial properties synergistically 3 or to create and tailor coupling effects between the constituent NP building blocks, 4,5 which can give rise to novel or highly enhanced properties. In solution assemblies of plasmonic NPs as an example, coherent coupling 5 within assembled structures can be used, e.g., for creating materials featuring optical magnetism, 6 enhancing catalytic chemical transformations, 7 colorimetric biosensing, 8 surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based imaging within live cells, 9 and potentially photothermal tumor treatment. 10 The described rich phenomenology and application potential of polymer-functionalized NP assemblies call for uncovering underlying assembly mechanisms.…”

“…Programmable assembly of polymer-functionalized nanoparticle (NP) building blocks constitutes a powerful design paradigm of nanotechnology and is, therefore, a vibrant topic in materials science. , It allows to combine different nanomaterial properties synergistically or to create and tailor coupling effects between the constituent NP building blocks, , which can give rise to novel or highly enhanced properties. In solution assemblies of plasmonic NPs as an example, coherent coupling within assembled structures can be used, e.g., for creating materials featuring optical magnetism, enhancing catalytic chemical transformations, colorimetric biosensing, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-based imaging within live cells, and potentially photothermal tumor treatment …”