Development of a Biocompatible Layer-by-Layer Film System Using Aptamer Technology for Smart Material Applications

Abstract

Aptamers are short, single-stranded nucleic acids that fold into well-defined three dimensional (3D) structures that allow for binding to a target molecule with affinities and specificities that can rival or in some cases exceed those of antibodies. The compatibility of aptamers with nanostructures such as thin films, in combination with their affinity, selectivity, and conformational changes upon target interaction, could set the foundation for the development of novel smart materials. In this study, the development of a biocompatible aptamer-polyelectrolyte film system was investigated using a layer-by-layer approach. Using fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrated the ability of the sulforhodamine B aptamer to bind its cognate target while sequestered in a chitosan-hyaluronan film matrix. Studies using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry also suggest that deposition conditions such as rinsing time and volume play a strong role in the internal film interactions and growth mechanisms of chitosan-hyaluronan films. The continued study and development of aptamer-functionalized thin films provides endless new opportunities for novel smart materials and has the potential to revolutionize the field of controlled release.

Trends in aptamer selection methods and applications

“…160 Using fluorescence microscopy, the ability of the sulforhodamine B aptamer to bind its cognate target was demonstrated while sequestered in a chitosan-hyaluronan film matrix, showing the unlimited opportunities for smart material construction through the aptamers. 160 Using fluorescence microscopy, the ability of the sulforhodamine B aptamer to bind its cognate target was demonstrated while sequestered in a chitosan-hyaluronan film matrix, showing the unlimited opportunities for smart material construction through the aptamers.…”

Incorporation of antimicrobial peptides on functionalized cotton gauzes for medical applications

“…Actually, in linearly growth of layer thickness each bilayer interacts only with bilayers that directly neighbor it (above or below) with very little inter-penetration. However, there are systems that showed exponential increases in film thickness with each deposition cycle, this type of growth was attributed to a diffusion of polyelectrolyte "in" and "out" of the film during each bilayer step (Foster & DeRosa, 2014), which is the case of cotton porous fibers whereas polyelectrolyte diffusion is expected. The typical thickness of a linearly growing film constituted of 20 bilayers is of the order of 100 nm but the thickness of exponentially growing films can reach 10 m or more after the deposition of a similar number of layers (Richert et al, 2004) which is in accordance with the thickness values found by us.…”

Influence of Operational Parameters on Layer-by-layer Assembled Cellulose Derivatives Thin Film

“…Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly, developed by Decher et al in the 1990s, has been proven to be a simple but effective way to prepare thin films, coatings, or microcapsules with fine-tuned structures and components, showing potential for application in various areas [1] . Numerous parameter such as solution parameters (i.e., pH value, ionic strength and temperature) [2] , operational parameters (i.e., dipping time and rinsing time) [3,4] and polymer parameters (i.e., molecular weight and concentration) [5] are affecting the assembly growth and morphology of LbL thin film. Most naturally occurring polymer in the world is cellulose, which represents approximately 1.5 × 10 12 tons yearly.…”