This study aims at quantifying and controlling the morphology and functionality of biomolecules at the cellulose interface. This knowledge is required to develop diagnostics that remain functional for over a year, instead of the current few months. Paper diagnostics for medical applications require stable and functional biomolecule immobilization. Currently, a major obstacle in paper based diagnostics is the presence of hierarchical microstructures made of micro fibres, large pore size distribution and inhomogeneous fibrillated structures. Cellulose nanofilm is an ideal smooth 2D platform with large surface area to serve as substrate for the adsorption and immobilization of functional biomolecules. These nanofilms form a hydrogel interface once in contact with water. Biomolecules can stay active and survive for longer periods in such hydrogel network. This contribution aims at engineering efficient cellulose hydrogel nanofilm (≈10 nm thick) interface of controlled crystallinity to quantify interactions and sorption mechanisms of strategic biomolecules (BSA, IgM, IgG).<br/>Novel deuterated cellulose (DC) thin films were produced to provide contrast (scattering length density difference) with respect to the adsorbed biomolecules for characterization by small angle neutron reflectometry. Neutron/Xray reflectivity, AFM and QCM-D measurements were conducted to quantify the conformations/morphology, sorption, diffusion and interaction of adsorbed biomolecules (BSA, IgG, IgM) on cellulose hydrogel interface under kinetically controlled conditions. The effect of pH, ionic strength on the conformation of adsorbed molecules was analysed. We will present a critical analysis of the current state of cellulose as a biointerface, show recent progresses and discuss critical scientific issues in paper biodiagnostics. This research aims at developing a novel generation of performant cellulose/paper devise for health applications. This fundamental work will be linked with the development of our blood typing paper diagnostic now in commercial development.

Cellulose biointerface for paper diagnostics

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.