Position and Orientation Specific Immobilization of Antibodies via Nanofabrication and Polyvalent Interactions

University Of California-Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Abstract

Professor Gang-Yu Liu of the University of California Davis is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry program to fabricate nanostructures that immobilize antibodies with designated positions while maintaining their bioreactivity. Scanning probe tips are used to secure antigens followed by divalent binding of antibodies. The structures are probed by scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Can the assemblies trigger cell responses which mimic natural immune processes? These studies have the potential to open new avenues of study in bioanalytical and bioengineering areas. The project also relates to the goals of miniaturizing electronics such as biosensors to molecular-size scale. Students receive interdisciplinary training in electrochemistry and nanofabrication skills and benefit from close collaboration with a synthetic chemist and an immunologist.