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Schematic showing attachment of targeting molecules to amine modified PEBBLEs.
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Besides incorporation of many different sensing constituents, PEBBLEs have the advantage that we can attach other molecules to the outside of the matrix, allowing specific attachment at cellular membrane sites. The method involves polymerization of the PEBBLEs using a mixture of monomers, some having free amine groups. Some of these groups will be exposed on the outside of the PEBBLE, and simple attachment can be made to other molecules (like biotin shown here) through carboxyl or succinimydal ester groups. The diagram shows successive attachment of biotin, then avidin, then a biotinylated antibody, but other similar schemes can be used for attachment of other types of bioactive molecules through this simple chemistry. |
