Multifunctional layer-by-layer coating of digitally encoded microparticles.
In the field of medical diagnostics there is a growing need for inexpensive, accurate, and quick "multiplexing" assays. By making use of encoded microparticles, such assays allow simultaneous determination of the presence of several analytes in a biological sample. The microparticles under investigation in this study are encoded by writing a digital dot or bar code in their central plane. This study evaluates to what extent a "multifunctional" coating can be applied around the digitally encoded microparticles by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technology. We show that a LbL coating containing CrO2 nanoparticles allows (a) an optimal (optical) readout of the dot and bar codes, (b) a perfect orientation of the microparticles, necessary to be able to read the code, and (c) an optimal coupling of capture probes to the surface of the microparticles.
Derveaux
Stefaan
S
Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, University of Ghent, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
De Geest
Bruno G
BG
Roelant
Chris
C
Braeckmans
Kevin
K
Demeester
Jo
J
De Smedt
Stefaan C
SC
D008280:Magnetics; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008863:Microspheres