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Linking of sensor molecules with amino groups to amino-functionalized AFM tips.

ABSTRACT: The measuring tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) can be upgraded to a specific biosensor by attaching one or a few biomolecules to the apex of the tip. The biofunctionalized tip is then used to map cognate target molecules on a sample surface or to study biophysical parameters of interaction with the target molecules. The functionality of tip-bound sensor molecules is greatly enhanced if they are linked via a thin, flexible polymer chain. In a typical scheme of tip functionalization, reactive groups are first generated on the tip surface, a bifunctional cross-linker is then attached with one of its two reactive ends, and finally the probe molecule of interest is coupled to the free end of the cross-linker. Unfortunately, the most popular functional group generated on the tip surface is the amino group, while at the same time, the only useful coupling functions of many biomolecules (such as antibodies) are also NH(2) groups. In the past, various tricks or detours were applied to minimize the undesired bivalent reaction of bifunctional linkers with adjacent NH(2) groups on the tip surface. In the present study, an uncompromising solution to this problem was found with the help of a new cross-linker ("acetal-PEG-NHS") which possesses one activated carboxyl group and one acetal-protected benzaldehyde function. The activated carboxyl ensures rapid unilateral attachment to the amino-functionalized tip, and only then is the terminal acetal group converted into the amino-reactive benzaldehyde function by mild treatment (1% citric acid, 1-10 min) which does not harm the AFM tip. As an exception, AFM tips with magnetic coating become demagnetized in 1% citric acid. This problem was solved by deprotecting the acetal group before coupling the PEG linker to the AFM tip. Bivalent binding of the corresponding linker ("aldehyde-PEG-NHS") to adjacent NH(2) groups on the tip was largely suppressed by high linker concentrations. In this way, magnetic AFM tips could be functionalized with an ethylene diamine derivative of ATP which showed specific interaction with mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) that had been purified and reconstituted in a mica-supported planar lipid bilayer.

SUBMITTER: Wildling L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3115690 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Linking of sensor molecules with amino groups to amino-functionalized AFM tips.

Wildling Linda L Unterauer Barbara B Zhu Rong R Rupprecht Anne A Haselgrübler Thomas T Rankl Christian C Ebner Andreas A Vater Doris D Pollheimer Philipp P Pohl Elena E EE Hinterdorfer Peter P Gruber Hermann J HJ

Bioconjugate chemistry 20110504 6

The measuring tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) can be upgraded to a specific biosensor by attaching one or a few biomolecules to the apex of the tip. The biofunctionalized tip is then used to map cognate target molecules on a sample surface or to study biophysical parameters of interaction with the target molecules. The functionality of tip-bound sensor molecules is greatly enhanced if they are linked via a thin, flexible polymer chain. In a typical scheme of tip functionalization, reacti ...[more]

PMID: 21542606

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Project description:Dendrimers have emerged as multifunctional carriers for targeted drug delivery, gene delivery and imaging. Improving the functional versatility at the surface for carrying multiple conjugation reactions is becoming vital. Typically, generation four polyamidoamine (G4-PAMAM) dendrimers bear approximately 64 symmetrical end groups, often requiring different spacers to conjugate various functional groups (drugs and targeting moities), increasing the synthetic steps. In the present study, a simple one-step synthesis to convert each symmetrical end group of G4-PAMAM dendrimers into two reactive, distinct orthogonal and chemoselective groups is described. A near-complete end-capping of the dendrimers (87-93%) with amino acids results in heterobifunctional G4-PAMAM dendrimers bearing a very high (> or = 110) diverse peripheral end groups (OH+NHBoc, OH+COOMe, SH+NHBoc, and COOH+NHBoc). Postfunctionalization ability of these dendrimers was evaluated. The heterobifunctional groups at the dendrimer periphery could be chemoselectively conjugated to multiple moities such as drugs (indomethacin and dexamethasone) and drugs and imaging agents (dexamethasone and FITC). These conjugations could be achieved in immediate succession without functional group conversions, eliminating the additional elaborate synthetic steps traditionally required to append specific linkers. Furthermore, one of the two functional handles at periphery was used to develop in situ forming hydrogels, whereas the other handle could be used for conjugating the drugs (e.g., dexamethasone). The heterobifunctional dendrimers with either "NH(2) or SH (thiopyridyl protected form)" terminations showed in situ hydrogel formation by cross-linking with N-hydroxysuccinimide or thiol-terminated multiarm polyethylene glycol (20 kDa). The choice of amino acids as versatile linkers would enable biocompatible dendrimer scaffolds for use in drug delivery. Zeta-potential measurements showed drastic lowering of the charge on G4-PAMAM-NH(2) dendrimers by end-capping with amino acids, whereas in the case of neutral G4-PAMAM-OH dendrimers, the charge did not increase or decrease substantially. The in vitro cytotoxicity and hemolysis assay showed that the heterobifunctional dendrimers were noncytotoxic in the 100 ng/mL to 1 mg/mL concentration range. With this study, we demonstrate the development of biocompatible dendrimers bearing multiple orthogonal surface groups, enabling the attachment of drugs, imaging agents, and gel formation using minimal synthetic steps.

Dataset Information

Linking of sensor molecules with amino groups to amino-functionalized AFM tips.

Publications

Linking of sensor molecules with amino groups to amino-functionalized AFM tips.

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