DNA detection and cell adhesion on plasma‐polymerized pyrrole

Abstract

This study investigates the application of Plasma-polymerized pyrrole (ppPY) as bioactive platform for DNA immobilization and cell adhesion based on the fundamental properties of ppPY, such as chemical structure, electrochemical property, and protein adsorption. Variations in electrochemical properties of the ppPY film deposited under different plasma conditions before and after DNA immobilization were measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The equilibrium concentration of the probe DNA immobilized on the ppPY surface was deduced by detecting the variations in the surface charge transfer resistance (Rct ) of the ppPY films after DNA immobilization with different concentrations. In addition, the detection limit of the target DNA hybridization with probe DNA, the association constant, Ka , and the dissociation constant were deduced from Langmuir isotherm equations simulated using the experimental data collected by EIS. Moreover, inverted microscope was used to observe the cell adhesions onto the surface of the ppPY films prepared under different plasma conditions. Different adhesive behaviors of cells were observed, demonstrating that ppPY films could be an alternative biomaterial used as the sensitive layer for DNA sensor or cell adhesion.

Where physics meets chemistry: Thin film deposition from reactive plasmas

“…In the past three years, recent applications of plasma polymerized platforms include:  Utilising the chemical and electrical structure of plasma-polymerized pyrrole (ppPY) as a bioactive platform for DNA immobilization and cell adhesion and as platforms on which to assemble biosensors [26] and as long-range surface plasmon resonance sensors [27]  The application to modify polymer electrolyte membranes for uses in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells [28] and plasma graft-polymerization for the synthesis of highly stable hydroxide exchange membranes [29]  Novel dielectric thin film coatings [30]  Plasma polymerized fluoropolymers to enhance corrosion resistance and haemocompatibility of biomedical NiTi alloys [31] 4  To improve the hydrophobicity of natural materials [32]  Providing amine rich surfaces for chemical coupling reactions, for example amines are used to couple gallic acid. GA was bound to an amine-group-rich plasma-polymerized allylamine (PPAam) coating to provide surfaces for Endothelial Cells and Smooth Muscle Cells selectivity [33]  The functionalization of multi-walled CNTs to improve their dispersion in polymer matrices [34]  The surface modification of advanced (aramid) polymer fibres [35] and advanced polymer membranes [36] and for new surfaces to control crystal growth [37]  And, finally, adapted plasma techniques have been used to grow first microspheres on surfaces and then microporous surfaces [38] or improved biomaterials [39].…”