Development of Sensor Coatings Based on Stabilized Planar Lipid Membranes

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

Professor S. Scott Saavedra and his co-workers at the University of Arizona are developing biocompatible coatings that can be used as a universal platform for the support of protein receptors in biosensing devices. With the support of the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, this group is examining the use of polymerizable planar lipid bilayers for this use. Both specific and nonspecific protein interactions with the lipid bilayers are evaluated, using novel optical waveguide spectroscopic methods developed in Professor Saavedra's laboratory. Methods for generating patterned microarrays of these materials are being developed as well. Protein or peptide specific sensors show great promise for analysis of biological systems, for monitoring drug dosages and uptakes, and for detecting biomaterials in a variety of applications. The development of robust, versatile substrates for these sensor applications is the subject of this research project. Using novel polymerizable lipid bilayers, a universal platform for these biosensors is being developed.