Switchable, Patternable Biochips Using a Photoactive Polyelectrolyte

Benkoski Jason J, Goleta CA

Investigators

Abstract

This Distinguished Research Fellowship is funded by the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities of the Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. It will involve research in the laboratories of Professor B. Kasemo of Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. The proposal focuses on a polymer molecule that is designed to change its solubility in water upon the application of a light stimulus. This switchability is used to promote reversible adsorption to a hydrophobic surface layer. The fact that the stimulus is light allows the process to be patterned by lithographic or holographic techniques. To demonstrate the intellectual merit of this project, this proposal outlines a biosensor which can be switched on and off through the use of this molecule. The biosensor will consist of detector molecules that are anchored by the polymer to a lipid bilayer that is supported upon a quartz substrate.