A novel concept for the specific detection of circulating cells based on heat flow through surface-imprinted polymer layers

Abstract

Novel detection platforms for the identification of disease-related cells in patient samples are of enormous interest for the medical community. These platforms could also be useful in environmental and food safety by monitoring the amount of pathogens in drinking water and/or food. Current state-of-the-art cell detection platforms are very sensitive and specific but these techniques are typically very expensive, complicated and require analysis by a professional in a lab environment. Biosensors could offer a fast, low-cost and user-friendly alternative for these platforms. However, biosensors usually make use of biological receptors such as antibodies or enzymes for the detection of biological compounds. While these natural receptors are very selective and sensitive, they have the drawback of being instable and expensive. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are a classic alternative for these natural receptors but due to the size of the target cells, MIPs produced by classical imprinting techniques are not suitable for the detection of these compounds. Therefore, a novel approach was tested, creating synthetic receptors by surface imprinting of thin polyurethane layers. For the sake of simplicity these surface imprinted polymers will be referred to as SIPs from hereon. ...