Antigen-antibody binding kinetics for biosensor applications

The diffusion-limited binding kinetics of antigen (or antibody) in solution to antibody (or antigen) immobilized on a biosensor surface is analyzed within a fractal framework. The fit obtained by a dual-fractal analysis is compared with that obtained from a single-fractal analysis. In some cases, the dual-fractal analysis provides an improved fit when compared with a single-fractal analysis. This was indicated by the regression analysis provided by Sigmaplot (San Rafael, CA). These examples are presented. It is of interest to note that the state of disorder (or the fractal dimension) and the binding rate coefficient both increase (or decrease, a single example is presented for this case) as the reaction progresses on the biosensor surface. For example, for the binding of monoclonal antibody MAb 49 in solution to surface-immobilized antigen, a 90.4% increase in the fractal dimension (D_f1 toD _f2 ) from 1.327 to 2.527 leads to an increase in the binding rate coefficient (k₁ to k₂) by a factor of 9.4 from 11.74 to 110.3. The different examples analyzed and presented together provide a means by which the antigen-antibody reactions may be better controlled by noting the magnitude of the changes in the fractal dimension and in the binding rate coefficient as the reaction progresses on the biosensor surface.     

An Evaluation of Cellular Analyte-Receptor Binding Kinetics Utilizing Biosensors: A Fractal Analysis

A fractal analysis is presented for cellular analyte-receptor binding kinetics utilizing biosensors. Data taken from the literature can be modeled by using (a) a single-fractal analysis and (b) a single- and a dual-fractal analysis. Case (b) represents a change in the binding mechanism as the reaction progresses on the biosensor surface. Relationships are presented for the binding rate coefficient(s) as a function of the fractal dimension for the single-fractal analysis examples. In general, the binding rate coefficient is rather sensitive to the degree of heterogeneity that exists on the biosensor surface. For example, for the binding of mutagenized and back-mutagenized forms of peptide E1037 in solution to salivary agglutinin immobilized on a sensor chip, the order of dependence of the binding rate coefficient, k, on the fractal dimension, D(f), is 13.2. It is of interest to note that examples are presented where the binding coefficient (k) exhibits an increase as the fractal dimension (D(f)) or the degree of heterogeneity increases on the surface. The predictive relationships presented provide further physical insights into the binding reactions occurring on the surface. These should assist us in understanding the cellular binding reaction occurring on surfaces, even though the analysis presented is for the cases where the cellular "receptor" is actually immobilized on a biosensor or other surface. The analysis suggests possible modulations of cell surfaces in desired directions to help manipulate the binding rate coefficients (or affinities). In general, the technique presented is applicable for the most part to other reactions occurring on different types of biosensors or other surfaces. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Antigen-antibody binding kinetics for biosensors

The diffusion-limited binding kinetics of antigen in solution to antibody immobilized on a biosensor surface is analyzed within a fractal framework. Changes in the fractal dimension, D_f observed are in the same and in the reverse directions as the forward binding rate coefficientk. For example, an increase in the concentration of the isoenzyme human creatine kinase isoenzyme MB form (CK-MB) (antigen) solution from 0.1 to 50 ng/mL and bound to anti-CK-MB antibody immobilized on fused silica fiber rods leads to increases in the fractal dimension D_f from 0.294 to 0.5080, and in the forward binding rate coefficientk from 0.1194 to 9.716, respectively. The error in the fractal dimension D_f decreases with an increase in the CK-MB isoenzyme concentration in solution. An increase in the concentration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in solution from 4000 to 6000 mIU/mL hCG and bound to anti-hCG antibody immobilized on a fluorescence capillary fill device leads to a decrease in the fractal dimension D_f from 2.6806 to 2.6164, and to an increase in the forward binding rate coefficientk from 3.571 to 4.033, respectively. The different examples analyzed and presented together indicate one means by which the forward binding rate coefficientk may be controlled, that is by changing the fractal dimension or the ‘disorder’ on the surface. The analysis should assist in helping to improve the stability, the sensitivity, and the response time of biosensors.     

Analyte-receptor binding kinetics for different types of biosensors

A fractal analysis is presented for analyte-receptor binding kinetics for different types of biosensor applications. Data taken from the literature may be modeled using a single-fractal analysis, a single- and a dual-fractal analysis, or a dual-fractal analysis. The latter two methods represent a change in the binding mechanism as the reaction progresses on the surface. Predictive relationships developed for the binding rate coefficient as a function of the analyte concentration are of particular value since they provide a means by which the binding rate coefficients may be manipulated. Relationships are presented for the binding rate coefficients as a function of the fractal dimension D _f or the degree of heterogeneity that exists on the surface. When analyte-receptor binding is involved, an increase in the heterogeneity on the surface (increase in D _f ) leads to an increase in the binding rate coefficient. It is suggested that an increase in the degree of heterogeneity on the surface leads to an increase in the turbulence on the surface owing to the irregularities on the surface. This turbulence promotes mixing, minimizes diffusional limitations, and leads subsequently to an increase in the binding rate coefficient. The binding rate coefficient is rather sensitive to the degree of heterogeneity, D _f , that exists on the biosensor surface. For example, the order of dependence on D _f1 is 7.25 for the binding rate coefficient k ₁ for the binding of a Fab fragment of an antiparaquat monoclonal antibody in solution to an antigen in the form of a paraquat analog immobilized on a sensor surface. The predictive relationships presented for the binding rate coefficient and the fractal dimension as a function of the analyte concentration in solution provide further physical insights into the binding reactions on the surface, and should assist in enhancing biosensor performance. In general, the technique is applicable to other reactions occurring on different types of surfaces, such as cell-surface reactions.     

Analyte-receptor binding kinetics for biosensor applications

The diffusion-limited binding kinetics of antigen (analyte), in solution with antibody (receptor) immobilized on a biosensor surface, is analyzed within a fractal framework. Most of the data presented is adequately described by a single-fractal analysis. This was indicated by the regression analysis provided by Sigmaplot. A single example of a dual-fractal analysis is also presented. It is of interest to note that the binding-rate coefficient (k) and the fractal dimension (D_f) both exhibit changes in the same and in the reverse direction for the antigen-antibody systems analyzed. Binding-rate coefficient expressions, as a function of the D_f developed for the antigen-antibody binding systems, indicate the high sensitivity of thek on the D_f when both a single- and a dual-fractal analysis are used. For example, for a single-fractal analysis, and for the binding of antibody Mab 0.5β in solution to gpl20 peptide immobilized on a BIAcore biosensor, the order of dependence on the D_f was 4.0926. For a dual-fractal analysis, and for the binding of 25-100 ng/mL TRITC-LPS (lipopolysaccharide) in solution with polymyxin B immobilized on a fiberoptic biosensor, the order of dependence of the binding-rate coefficients, k₁ and k₂ on the fractal dimensions, D_f1 and D_f2, were 7.6335 and-11.55, respectively. The fractional order of dependence of thek(s) on the D_f(s) further reinforces the fractal nature of the system. Thek(s) expressions developed as a function of the D_f(s) are of particular value, since they provide a means to better control biosensor performance, by linking it to the heterogeneity on the surface, and further emphasize, in a quantitative sense, the importance of the nature of the surface in biosensor performance.     

A Single and a Dual-Fractal Analysis of Analyte-Receptor Binding Kinetics for Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Applications

The diffusion-limited binding kinetics of analyte in solution to either a receptor immobilized on a surface or to a receptorless surface is analyzed within a fractal framework for a surface plasmon resonance biosensor. The data is adequately described by a single- or a dual-fractal analysis. Initially, the data was modeled by a single-fractal analysis. If an inadequate fit was obtained then a dual-fractal analysis was utilized. The regression analysis provided by Sigmaplot (32) was used to determine if a single fractal analysis is sufficient or if a dual-fractal analysis is required. In general, it is of interest to note that the binding rate coefficient and the fractal dimension exhibit changes in the same direction (except for a single example) for the analyte-receptor systems analyzed. Binding rate coefficient expressions as a function of the fractal dimension developed for the analyte-receptor binding systems indicate, in general, the high sensitivity of the binding rate coefficient on the fractal dimension when both a single- and a dual-fractal analysis is used. For example, for a single-fractal analysis and for the binding of human endothelin-1 (ET-1) antibody in solution to ET-115-21.BSA immobilized on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) surface (33), the order of dependence of the binding rate coefficient, k, on the fractal dimension, Df, is 6.4405. Similarly, for a dual-fractal analysis and for the binding of 10(-6) to 10(-4) M bSA in solution to a receptorless surface (direct binding to SPR surface) (41) the order of dependence of k1 and k2 on Df1 and Df2 were -2.356 and 6.241, respectively. Binding rate coefficient expressions are also developed as a function of the analyte concentration in solution. The binding rate coefficient expressions developed as a function of the fractal dimension(s) are of particular value since they provide a means to better control SPR biosensor performance by linking it to the degree of heterogeneity that exists on the SPR biosensor surface. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.     

A Predictive Approach Using Fractal Analysis for Analyte-Receptor Binding and Dissociation Kinetics for Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Applications

A predictive approach using fractal analysis is presented for analyte-receptor binding and dissociation kinetics for biosensor applications. Data taken from the literature may be modeled, in the case of binding using a single-fractal analysis or a dual-fractal analysis. The dual-fractal analysis represents a change in the binding mechanism as the reaction progresses on the surface. A single-fractal analysis is adequate to model the dissociation kinetics in the examples presented. Predictive relationships developed for the binding and the affinity (k(diss)/k(bind)) as a function of the analyte concentration are of particular value since they provide a means by which the binding and the affinity rate coefficients may be manipulated. Relationships are also presented for the binding and the dissociation rate coefficients and for the affinity as a function of their corresponding fractal dimension, D(f), or the degree of heterogeneity that exists on the surface. When analyte-receptor binding or dissociation is involved, an increase in the heterogeneity on the surface (increase in D(f)) leads to an increase in the binding and in the dissociation rate coefficient. It is suggested that an increase in the degree of heterogeneity on the surface leads to an increase in the turbulence on the surface owing to the irregularities on the surface. This turbulence promotes mixing, minimizes diffusional limitations, and leads subsequently to an increase in the binding and in the dissociation rate coefficient. The binding and the dissociation rate coefficients are rather sensitive to the degree of heterogeneity, D(f,bind) (or D(f1)) and D(f,diss), respectively, that exists on the biosensor surface. For example, the order of dependence on D(f,bind) (or D(f1)) and D(f2) is 6.69 and 6.96 for k(bind,1) (or k(1)) and k(2), respectively, for the binding of 0.085 to 0.339 μM Fab fragment 48G7(L)48G7(H) in solution to p-nitrophenyl phosphonate (PNP) transition state analogue immobilized on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. The order of dependence on D(f,diss) (or D(f,d)) is 3.26 for the dissociation rate coefficient, k(diss), for the dissociation of the 48G7(L)48G7(H)-PNP complex from the SPR surface to the solution. The predictive relationships presented for the binding and the affinity as a function of the analyte concentration in solution provide further physical insights into the reactions on the surface and should assist in enhancing SPR biosensor performance. In general, the technique is applicable to other reactions occurring on different types of biosensor surfaces and other surfaces such as cell-surface reactions. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

A fractal analysis of analyte-estrogen receptor binding and dissociation kinetics using biosensors: environmental effects

A fractal analysis is used to model the binding and dissociation kinetics between analytes in solution and estrogen receptors (ER) immobilized on a sensor chip of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. Both cases are analyzed: unliganded as well as liganded. The influence of different ligands is also analyzed. A better understanding of the kinetics provides physical insights into the interactions and suggests means by which appropriate interactions (to promote correct signaling) and inappropriate interactions such as with xenoestrogens (to minimize inappropriate signaling and signaling deleterious to health) may be better controlled. The fractal approach is applied to analyte-ER interaction data available in the literature. Numerical values obtained for the binding and the dissociation rate coefficients are linked to the degree of roughness or heterogeneity (fractal dimension, D(f)) present on the biosensor chip surface. In general, the binding and the dissociation rate coefficients are very sensitive to the degree of heterogeneity on the surface. For example, the binding rate coefficient, k, exhibits a 4.60 order of dependence on the fractal dimension, D(f), for the binding of unliganded and liganded VDR mixed with GST-RXR in solution to Spp-1 VDRE (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) receptor element) DNA immobilized on a sensor chip surface (Cheskis and Freedman, Biochemistry 35 (1996) 3300-3318). A single-fractal analysis is adequate in some cases. In others (that exhibit complexities in the binding or the dissociation curves) a dual-fractal analysis is required to obtain a better fit. A predictive relationship is also presented for the ratio K(A)(=k/k(d)) as a function of the ratio of the fractal dimensions (D(f)/D(fd)). This has biomedical and environmental implications in that the dissociation and binding rate coefficients may be used to alleviate deleterious effects or enhance beneficial effects by selective modulation of the surface. The K(A) exhibits a 112-order dependence on the ratio of the fractal dimensions for the ligand effects on VDR-RXR interaction with specific DNA.     

A Fractal Analysis Approach for the Evaluation of Hybridization Kinetics in Biosensors

The diffusion-limited hybridization kinetics of analyte in solution to a receptor immobilized on a biosensor or immunosensor surface is analyzed within a fractal framework. The data may be analyzed by a single- or a dual-fractal analysis. This was indicated by the regression analysis provided by Sigmaplot (Sigmaplot, Scientific Graphing Software, User's Manual, Jandel Scientific, CA, 1993). It is of interest to note that the binding rate coefficient and the fractal dimension both exhibit changes, in general, in the same direction for both the single-fractal and the dual-fractal analysis examples presented. The binding rate coefficient expression developed as a function of the analyte concentration in solution and the fractal dimension is of particular value since it provides a means to better control biosensor or immunosensor performance. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

A beta-cyclodextrin based fiber-optic chemical sensor: a fractal analysis

A fractal analysis is presented for the binding of pyrene in solution to beta-cyclodextrin attached to a fiber-optic chemical sensor. The specific (k(l)) and non-specific binding rate coefficients and the fractal dimension (D(f)) (specific binding case only) both tend to increase as the pyrene concentration in solution increases from 12.4 to 124 ng ml(-1). Predictive relations for the binding rate coefficient (specific as well as non-specific binding) and for D(f) (specific binding case only) as a function of pyrene concentration are provided. These relations fit the calculated k(l) and D(f) values in the pyrene concentration range reasonably well. Fractal analysis data seem to indicate that an increase in the pyrene concentration in solution increases the "ruggedness" or inhomogeneity on the fiber-optic biosensor surface. The fractal analysis provides novel physical insights into the reactions occuring on the fiber-optic chemical surface and should assist in the design of fiber-optic chemical sensors.     

Antibody-antigen binding kinetics a model for multivalency antibodies for large antigen systems

This work presents a theoretical analysis of the influence of multivalency of antigen on external mass transfer-limited binding kinetics to divalent antibody for biosensor applications to polycyclic-aromatic systems. Both cases are considered wherein the antigen is in solution and the antibody is either covalently or noncovalently attached to a cylindrical fiber-optic biosensor, and the antibody is in solution and the antigen is attached to the surface. Both single-step and dual-step binding processes are considered. The rate of attachment of antigen to antibody (or vice versa) is linear for the valencies (or reaction orders) analyzed in the time frame (100 min) considered. The rate of attainment of saturation levels of antigen or antibody in solution close to the surface is very rapid (within 20 min). An increase in the valency of the antigen in solution has the effect of decreasing the order of reaction (for valency, Ν ≥ 1). An increase in the number of steps increases the order of reaction, as expected. An increase in the valency of the antigen in solution decreases the saturation level of the antigen close to the surface and the rate of antigen attachment to the antibody on the surface for all Damkohler numbers. A decrease in the diffusional limitations decreases the effect of valency (or reaction order) on saturation levels of c_s/c₀. Nondimensional plots presented in the analysis help extend the analysis to different antigen-antibody systems. An increase in the valency of the antibody in solution has the effect of increasing the order of reaction (for Ν < 2). The effects in this case are reverse to those described earlier. For valency greater than2, the reaction order is dependent on the antigen valency, whether it is in solution or immobilized on the surface. The general analysis presented here should be applicable to most surface reactions that involve ligand-receptor binding wherein multiple-binding sites are involved on either the receptor or the ligand.     

Detection of trichinosis using TSM immunosensor

A thickness shear mode (TSM) immunosensor was developed for detection of trichinosis in this paper; antibody was immobilized on to the surface of a quartz crystal precoated with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer. The sensor interacted sensitively with trichinosis antigen and produced a change in resonant frequency of the quartz crystal. The fractal analysis was proposed for both processes. This method was applied to the detection of some samples with different amount antigen sera diluted by phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and good results were obtained.     

Interfacial immobilization of monoclonal antibody and detection of human prostate-specific antigen

Antibody orientation and its antigen binding efficiency at interface are of particular interest in many immunoassays and biosensor applications. In this paper, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), neutron reflection (NR), and dual polarization interferometry (DPI) have been used to investigate interfacial assembly of the antibody [mouse monoclonal anti-human prostate-specific antigen (anti-hPSA)] at the silicon oxide/water interface and subsequent antigen binding. It was found that the mass density of antibody adsorbed at the interface increased with solution concentration and adsorption time while the antigen binding efficiency showed a steady decline with increasing antibody amount at the interface over the concentration range studied. The amount of antigen bound to the interfacial immobilized antibody reached a maximum when the surface-adsorbed amount of antibody was around 1.5 mg/m(2). This phenomenon is well interpreted by the interfacial structural packing or crowding. NR revealed that the Y-shaped antibody laid flat on the interface at low surface mass density with a thickness around 40 ?, equivalent to the short axial length of the antibody molecule. The loose packing of the antibody within this range resulted in better antigen binding efficiency, while the subsequent increase of surface-adsorbed amount led to the crowding or overlapping of antibody fragments, hence reducing the antigen binding due to the steric hindrance. In situ studies of antigen binding by both NR and DPI demonstrated that the antigen inserted into the antibody layer rather than forming an additional layer on the top. Stability assaying revealed that the antibody immobilized at the silica surface remained stable and active over the monitoring period of 4 months. These results are useful in forming a general understanding of antibody interfacial behavior and particularly relevant to the control of their activity and stability in biosensor development.     

Use of nitrocellulose films for affinity-directed mass spectrometry for the analysis of antibody/antigen interactions

Combination of affinity extraction procedures with mass spectrometric analyses is termed affinity-directed mass spectrometry, a technique that has gained broad interest in immunology and is extended here with several improvements from methods used in previous studies. A monoclonal antibody was immobilized on a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane, allowing the corresponding antigen to be selectively captured from a complex solution for analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). This method was also used to rapidly determine the approximate binding region responsible for the antibody/antigen interaction. The tryptic fragments of antigen protein in buffer were applied to the antibody immobilized on NC film and allowed to interact. The NC film was then washed to remove salts and other unbound components, and subjected to analysis by MALDI-TOFMS. Using interferon-alpha(2a) and anti-interferon-alpha(2a) monoclonal antibody IgG as a model system, we successfully extracted the antigen protein and determined the approximate binding region for the antigen/antibody interaction (i.e., the tryptic fragment responsible).     

Adsorption and activity of a domoic acid binding antibody fragment on mesoporous silicates

The adsorption of an anti-domoic acid single-chain Fv (scFv) antibody fragment onto a range of mesoporous silicate supports was investigated. The scFv fragment adsorbed to all materials investigated, and pI had an apparently large effect on coating, with the greatest-and fastest-adsorption found on the most negatively charged silicates. Maximal coating levels attainable did not reflect the pore diameters of the materials. The immobilized antibody was functional on all materials and bound its antigen, a naturally occurring neurotoxin produced by shellfish, in a rapidly saturating manner that suggested the antibody adsorbed in a multilayer on the mesoporous particles. The antigen:antibody ratio decreased from 1:1.3 to <1:10 with increasing concentration of immobilized antibody, and the immobilized scFv exhibited no detectable reduction in domoic acid binding over a 42-day incubation period.     

Electrochemical immunoassay at a 17beta-estradiol self-assembled monolayer electrode using a redox marker

A simple electrochemical immunoassay was demonstrated using a 17beta-estradiol modified electrode. 17beta-estradiol was immobilized on the gold electrode surface with a self-assembly technique. The specific binding between estradiol antibody and 17beta-estradiol on the electrode surface was evaluated by monitoring the change in the electrode response with three hydrophilic redox markers. The decrease in the electrode response for the redox marker was observed, when the antibody was bound to the estradiol self-assembled monolayer (SAM) electrode surface. The change in the electrode response of the redox marker is attributed to the steric hindrance between the antibody on the electrode surface and the redox marker. The relative standard deviation at 30 microg ml(-1) estradiol antibody was 4.1% (n = 3). The competitive reaction between the antigen in the solution and 17beta-estradiol immobilized on the electrode surface for the limited binding sites on the antibody produced an increase in the electrode response with hydroquinone as the marker. The binding affinity of three antigens including 17beta-estradiol to the estradiol antibody was evaluated. Furthermore, the result obtained from this method was compared with the previously reported enzyme binding assay using the biotinylated estradiol and the biotin-immobilized microtiter plate.     

Oriented surface immobilization of antibodies at the conserved nucleotide binding site for enhanced antigen detection

The conserved nucleotide binding site (NBS), found on the Fab variable domain of all antibody isotypes, remains a not-so-widely known and unutilized site. Here, we describe a UV photo-cross-linking method (UV-NBS) that utilizes the NBS for oriented immobilization of antibodies onto surfaces, such that the antigen binding activity remains unaffected. Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) has an affinity for the NBS with a K(d) ranging from 1 to 8 μM for different antibody isotypes and can be covalently photo-cross-linked to the antibody at the NBS upon exposure to UV light. Using the UV-NBS method, antibody was successfully immobilized on synthetic surfaces displaying IBA via UV photo-cross-linking at the NBS. An optimal UV exposure of 2 J/cm(2) yielded significant antibody immobilization on the surface with maximal relative antibody activity per immobilized antibody without any detectable damage to antigen binding activity. Comparison of the UV-NBS method with two other commonly used methods, ε-NH(3)(+) conjugation and physical adsorption, demonstrated that the UV-NBS method yields surfaces with significantly enhanced antigen detection efficiency, higher relative antibody activity, and improved antigen detection sensitivity. Taken together, the UV-NBS method provides a practical, site-specific surface immobilization method, with significant implications in the development of a large array of platforms with diverse sensor and diagnostic applications.     

Selective response of antigen‐antibody reactions on chiral surfaces modified with 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine enantiomers

This work reported a comparative analysis of the amperometric responses of antigen‐antibody reactions on two stable chiral surfaces which were modified with 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine enantiomers. Alpha‐fetoprotein antibody and antigen (anti‐AFP and AFP) were selected as model systems. First, (1R,2R)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine or (1S,2S)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine was modified on the gold surface of the electrode through amide linkage to construct chiral surfaces. Then, anti‐AFP was immobilized on the chiral electrode surface by electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions. The electrochemical characteristics of the modified electrodes were studied via cyclic voltammetry. The selective current responses of antigen‐antibody reactions on chiral electrode surfaces for different incubation time and varying AFP concentrations were monitored. The antigen‐antibody reactions were greatly influenced by the chirality of 1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine enantiomers, and the amperometric responses obtained from the (1S,2S)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine modified electrode was obviously stronger than that from the (1R,2R)‐1,2‐diphenylethylenediamine modified electrode. Such work may not only offer valuable reference to the research of chiral drugs, but also help to comprehend the high selectivity of chiral molecular species in biosystems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Fabrication of DNA-protein conjugate layer on gold-substrate and its application to immunosensor

The fabrication of antibody thin film using both protein G and oligonucleotide was carried out by self-assembly (SA) technique for immunosensor. A mixture of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) and oligonucleotide with thiol (SH) end group was self-assembled of gold (Au) surface for two-dimensional (2D) configuration. Protein G was chemically adsorbed on the 11-MUA surface, and then the antibody was immobilized on the protein G region. On the immobilized single-stranded DNA, the complementary DNA–antibody conjugate was hybridized for the oriented immobilization of antibody. The formation of self-assembled 11-MUA/oligonucleotide layer, protein G immobilization, antibody layer, and antigen binding was investigated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The topographies of the fabricated surfaces were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). When compared with the amount of antigen binding on the antibody thin film fabricated by protein G only, the proposed biosurface fabricated with both protein G and oligonucleotide showed better binding capacity, which implicates the improvement of the detection limit.     

A modified CCA model describing gelation processes

In order to simulate a gelation process that occurs by condensation-polymerization reactions in solution, the cluster–cluster aggregation (CCA) model is modified by introducing four- and two-functional units as monomers. The modified CCA model shows a clear dependence of the fractal dimension of the resulting gel structure on the ratio between the numbers of the four- and two-functional units. The model should be applicable to various real systems. For example, it explains the behavior of experimentally found fractal dimension that depends on the amount of water added in the sol–gel aggregation process of SiO₂ systems.