RGD-Peptide Functionalized Graphene Biomimetic Live-Cell Sensor for Real-Time Detection of Nitric Oxide Molecules

Abstract

It is always challenging to construct a smart functional nanostructure with specific physicochemical properties to real time detect biointeresting molecules released from live-cells. We report here a new approach to build a free-standing biomimetic sensor by covalently bonding RGD-peptide on the surface of pyrenebutyric acid functionalized graphene film. The resulted graphene biofilm sensor comprises a well-packed layered nanostructure, in which the RGD-peptide component provides desired biomimetic properties for superior human cell attachment and growth on the film surface to allow real-time detection of nitric oxide, an important signal yet short-life molecule released from the attached human endothelial cells under drug stimulations. The film sensor exhibits good flexibility and stability by retaining its original response after 45 bending/relaxing cycles and high reproducibility from its almost unchanged current responses after 15 repeated measurements, while possessing high sensitivity, good selectivity against interferences often existing in biological systems, and demonstrating real time quantitative detection capability toward nitric oxide molecule released from living cells. This study not only demonstrates a facial approach to fabricate a smart nanostructured graphene-based functional biofilm, but also provides a powerful and reliable platform to the real-time study of biointeresting molecules released from living cells, thus rendering potential broad applications in neuroscience, screening drug therapy effect, and live-cell assays.

Nanomaterials-based electrochemical sensors for nitric oxide

“…Guo et al [100] built a free-standing biomimetic sensor by covalently bonding Arg-Gly-Asp-peptide on the surface of pyrenebutyric acid functionalized graphene film. Fig.…”

“…2 Schematic illustration of preparation of the free-standing biomimetic film based on the functionalized graphene and its application to a live-cell assay of NO. Reprinted with permission from [100]. Copyright (2012) American Chemical Society nanoparticles [105,106], platinum nanoparticles [107] were synthesized and designed to controllably release NO.…”

Gasotransmitter delivery via self-assembling peptides: Treating diseases with natural signaling gases

“…Several examples from this rapidly growing strategy for gasotransmitter delivery are discussed in detail below. In addition, materials and systems designed to respond to the presence of gasotransmitters may have therapeutic potential [195,196]; some of these designs are discussed below as well.…”

“…[195] The graphene component acts as an electrode that allows for real-time NO detection, and the RGD-peptide component enables cellular compatibility by mimicking the cell-binding sequence of extracellular matrix proteins. Growing endothelial cells on the RGD-graphene film allowed for quantification of endogenous NO production.…”

Next generation bioelectronics: Advances in fabrication coupled with clever chemistries enable the effective integration of biomaterials and organic conductors

“…[44][45][46][47] They also provide an extra dimension in that chemistries are available to readily tune the bioactivity, electronic and mechanical properties, as well as to manipulate processability. [48][49][50][51] CNTs have proven to be interesting platforms for electrical stimulation. [52][53][54] Justified or not, interest in the former has waned dramatically since studies highlighting the cytotoxicity of free CNTs under some biological conditions.…”