NER: Protein chips of attoliter protein droplets on microelectrodes

University Of Houston, Houston TX

Investigators

Abstract

0609387 Vekilov This project will synthesize tailored block copolymers with varying length and ratios between components, test droplet generation with several proteins of interest. The polymer creates concentrated protein phases and then is cross-linked and localized onto electrodes. The solvent can be removed and hence a pre-concentration follows. The authors show precise localization on electrodes, amounting to signal amplification. Together, the components will form novel 2D protein microchips. The planned work requires the synthesis of a polymer that will phase separate regardless of the proteins present in the solution and entrap sufficient quantities of each protein in the formed droplets. The second specific aim is to develope procedures for localized generation and deposition of the droplets over microelectrodes.