(113b) Biomolecule-Mediated Droplet Interaction and Content Exchange As an in-Solution Sensing Platform | AIChE

(113b) Biomolecule-Mediated Droplet Interaction and Content Exchange As an in-Solution Sensing Platform

Authors 

Goodwin, A. - Presenter, University of Colorado Boulder

In this talk, I will present our efforts devoted to designing biomimetic, chemically-responsive nanodroplets that interact with specific biomolecules to generate detectable signals rapidly and without washing steps. Detection of specific biomolecules is of tremendous importance for improving patient health, identifying infectious disease transmission patterns, and many other health-related goals. Screenings are most effective when performed on large populations with wide dissemination to local clinics or point-of-care operation. While ELISA is the gold standard of biomarker detection and quantification, its high cost, lengthy operation times, and reagent instability hinder its widespread utilization, and thus many who would benefit from regular screening cannot because of difficulties in affording the procedure or traveling to a test site. To address this, we have created nanodroplets with biomolecules placed on their surface that can interact with target analytes. Under normal conditions the emulsions are stable to environmental conditions and nonspecific coalescence. However, the interaction of two emulsions with matching complexes cause mixing of their contents, leading to a reactive, signal-generating process without further washing or concentration. The ability of these nanodroplets to exchange their contents may in turn be mediated through noncovalent interaction with model analytes such as thrombin. I will present in this talk our work in creating these nanodroplets and advancing their chemical and physical properties towards the creation of a new biosensing platform.