Polymer Nano- and Microparticle Based Systems for Medical Diagnostics

• Published in: Macromolecular symposia. 2010-09, Vol.295 (1), p.13-22
• Main Authors: Slomkowski, Stanislaw, Basinska, Teresa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: diagnostic test; functional microspheres; hydrophilic microspheres; immobilized proteins
• ISSN: 1022-1360; 1521-3900
• DOI: 10.1002/masy.200900084

Synthesis, properties and medical diagnostic applications of hydrophilic nano- and microspheres with carboxyl, aldehyde and hydroxyl groups on their surface are described. The particles were obtained by emulsion copolymerization of styrene, acrolein, methyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate carried on in water media and initiated with potassium persulfate. Stabilization of particles' suspensions was provided by addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate to polymerizing mixture or by formation of surfactants in situ in copolymerization involving acrolein or α-tert-butoxy-ω-vinylbenzyl-polyglycidol macromonomer (PGL). Relations between interfacial properties of these particles and their ability for covalent immobilization of proteins, with eliminated or at least reduced nonspecific adsorption of these species were investigated. The particles with covalently attached proteins (antigens or antibodies) were used for preparation of diagnostic tests based on visual or turbidimetric observation of particles' aggregation or by monitoring changes in their electrophoretic mobility accompanying specific antigen (or antibody) binding. The later test was directed toward determination of antibodies against Helicobacter pylori. Principle of a new type of diagnostic test based on photonic crystals of microspheres are described.