 Surface Modification
| 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. |
|
Schematic showing attachment of targeting molecules to
amine modified PEBBLEs.
|
|
|
