Analytische Chemie
Filtern
Erscheinungsjahr
- 2019 (26) (entfernen)
Dokumenttyp
- Posterpräsentation (15)
- Vortrag (11)
Sprache
- Englisch (26)
Referierte Publikation
- nein (26) (entfernen)
Schlagworte
- Fluorescence (26) (entfernen)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
Eingeladener Vortrag
- nein (11)
Chlorination of pool water and wastewater, in food and pharmaceutical production, as well as in pesticide and paper manufacturing is a routinely used technique. However, the amount of chlorine in water must be strictly adjusted, to ensure enough concentration to kill pathogenic bacteria and viruses, while preventing too high concentrations inducing negative effects on human health. As an indicator, a molecular fluorescent probe based on a BODIPY structure was designed. This indicator exhibits a sensitive and selective fluorescence response upon increasing concentrations of hypochlorite in aqueous solvent mixtures. Real-time analyses became possible after the integration of this fluorescent indicator into newly designed 2D & 3D microfluidic chips incorporating a passive sinusoidal mixer and a micro-hydrocyclone, respectively. A comparison of the two microfluidic systems, including their ability to prevent accumulation or circulation of microbubbles, has shown excellent fluidic behaviour for the micro-hydrocyclone device. This system was distinctly more robust against gas bubbles, showed a higher signal gain and allowed to halve the limit of detection to 0.02 mg L–1. The use of the 3D system to quantify the chlorine content of pool water samples for sensitive and quantitative chlorine monitoring has been demonstrated.
The reliable identification and quantification of phosphorylated amino acids, peptides and proteins is one of the key challenges in contemporary bioanalytical research, noteworthy, to diagnose and treat diseases at an early developmental stage. Miniaturised sensing devices like microfluidic chips combined with “smart” detection chemistry, simple data assessment, processing and presentation are very attractive for benchtop use in clinical environments.
We developed novel synthetic probes targeting phosphorylated amino acids, based on core-shell microparticles consisting of a silica core coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shell. These “plastic antibodies” are extremely robust, resist denaturing solvents and elevated temperatures, can be reproducibly produced at low cost, and potentially overcome many of the practical problems in current bioanalytical detection strategies. The MIP layer contains a fluorescent probe monomer, binds selectively to phosphorylated tyrosine (pTyr) with a significant imprinting factor higher than 3.5 and responds with a “lighting-up” of its fluorescence accompanied by the development of a strongly red-shifted emission band toward the analyte.
In analogy to our previous work [4], the bead-based ratiometric detection scheme has also been successfully transferred to a microfluidic chip format to demonstrate its applicability to rapid assays. Such a miniaturised device could yield an automated pTyr measurement system in the future. The setup was built by coupling a modular microfluidic system [5] for amino acid functionalisation (Fmoc protection) and a multi-layer PDMS/Teflon/glass microfluidic chip [6] for buffering, extraction (micropillars co-flow extraction) and selective adsorption on the MIP core-shell particles.
A miniaturised optical assembly for low-light fluorescence measurements was also developed. Based on small opto-electronic parts and optical fibres, the emission from the MIP particles upon addition of pTyr concentrations from 0.5 – 200 μM could be monitored in real-time.
The reliable identification and quantification of phosphorylated amino acids, peptides and proteins is one of the key challenges in contemporary bioanalytical research, noteworthy, to diagnose and treat diseases at an early developmental stage1. Miniaturised sensing devices like microfluidic chips combined with “smart” detection chemistry, simple data assessment, processing and presentation are very attractive for benchtop use in clinical environments.
We developed novel synthetic probes targeting phosphorylated amino acids, based on core-shell microparticles consisting of a silica core coated with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shell. These “plastic antibodies” are extremely robust, resist denaturing solvents and elevated temperatures, can be reproducibly produced at low cost, and potentially overcome many of the practical problems in current bioanalytical detection strategies. The MIP layer contains a fluorescent probe monomer, binds selectively to phosphorylated tyrosine (pY) with a significant imprinting factor higher than 3.5 and responds with a “lighting-up” of its fluorescence accompanied by the development of a strongly red-shifted emission band toward the analyte. In analogy to our previous work4, the bead-based ratiometric detection scheme has also been successfully transferred to a microfluidic chip format to demonstrate its applicability to rapid assays. Such a miniaturised device could yield an automated pY measurement system in the future. The setup was built by coupling a modular microfluidic system5 for amino acid functionalisation (Fmoc protection) and, as shown in Figure 1, a multi-layer PDMS/Teflon/glass microfluidic chip6 for buffering, extraction (micropillars co-flow extraction) and selective adsorption on the MIP core-shell particles.
A miniaturised optical assembly for low-light fluorescence measurements was also developed. Based on small opto-electronic parts and optical fibres, the emission from the MIP particles upon addition of pY concentrations from 0.5-200 μM could be monitored in real-time.
Methods for the rapid and sensitive detection of target analytes are gaining importance in medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring, in the security, occupational health and safety as well as food sectors. Among all of the methods employed for rapid tests, lateral flow assays (LFAs) are the most commonly used, and hundreds of test kits based on this technique are available on the market. A major drawback is that most of these capture agents either indicate the analyte only indirectly, and in most cases a second binding agent able to bind directly or indirectly to the analytes is necessary (e.g., a secondary labeled antibody). Furthermore, in certain cases in which the (ultra)trace detection of an analyte is required, the traditional approach of a certain number of probe molecules being conjugated to a particular support is not sufficient. Therefore, novel concepts implementing steps of effective signal amplification are urgently required.
Keeping in mind these limitations, we thought that the sensitivity of these systems should be improvable through employment of gated reporter molecule-releasing hybrid nanoparticle materials on novel lateral flow devices. On one hand, the gated sensor material can produce a massive signal amplification, by releasing many reporter molecules only after chemical recognition of a few analyte molecules has taken place in an independent and separate step at the pore openings. On the other hand, the employment of tailored capture materials for the selective interaction with the released reporter molecules in a second arbitrary zone on the strip allows to concentrate or focus the latter for more efficient detection or to create selective multi-spot detection zones, which renders the simultaneous detection of several reporter molecules at the same time in multiplexed detection of various analytes possible.
For that purpose, we have prepared several stimuli-responsive materials for small-molecule sensing based on specific interactions between biomolecules such as antibodies with the corresponding analytes for the detection of certain explosives. In order to prepare these bio-capped materials, we have selected silica mesoporous nanoparticles (MSNs) as inorganic support due to their unique properties such as defined void structure, high inner surface area and flexible functionalization chemistry. These MSNs are loaded with a brightly fluorescent indicator dye, and the external surface is subsequently functionalized with suitable molecules able to interact with antibodies, efficiently inhibiting dye release. The opening protocol and delivery of the entrapped dye is reminiscent of a displacement reaction involving the presence of the target analyte, producing a displacement of the biomolecule and allowing the detection of the target analyte.
The presentation discusses general aspects of system design as well as analytical performance and highlights the integration into a lateral-flow assay, showing as an example the determination of the explosives TATP, TNT and PETN with fluorescence readout, in single-substance and multiplexing modes.
In all fluorescence-based techniques, the measured signals contain not only sample-related but also instrument-specific contributions, which limit the direct comparison of fluorescence data obtained e.g. on different devices or at different times and often hamper quantification. To rule out instrumentation as major source of variability of emission data, accepted fluorescence standards and procedures for the control of instrument specifications and long-term performance are required. For flow cytometry (FCM), a broad variety of fluorophore-stained polymer beads differing in emission wavelength and intensity is available for the testing of the alignment, sensitivity, and other parameters of FCM. These calibration tools are intended to facilitate the assessment of instrument performance to ensure reliable measurements and to improve the comparability of FCM experiments.
As a step towards an improved comparability of fluorescence data, with special emphasis on spectroscopic methods measuring nano- and micrometer-sized fluorescent objects, we are currently developing a set of fluorescent polystyrene (PS) beads loaded with luminophores from the certified BAM-Kit “Spectral fluorescent standards”, initially developed for the calibration of fluorescence spectrometers. Here, we present first results from studies of these fluorophore-loaded polymer beads. Moreover, new beads are made to supplement this kit by encapsulating near-infrared (NIR)-emissive luminophores in PS beads to cover the UV/VIS, and NIR wavelength range.
These beads are designed for calibration of flow cytometers and other fluorescence imaging systems to meet the increasing demand for reliable and comparable fluorescence data especially in strongly regulated areas like e.g. medical diagnostics.
Time-resolved flow cytometry
(2019)
The fast identification of a large number of analytes or events is increasingly required in bioanalytical, diagnostic, and security applications. The versatility and straightforward use make multiparametric fluorescence techniques particularly interesting as detection techniques. An established method for high-throughput single-cell and single-particle measurements is flow cytometry (FCM). Using only spectral encoding without further intensity information, state-of-the-art instruments equipped with several light sources and detectors can resolve almost 20 different color codes. However, this is not sufficient to answer complex research questions, e.g. in cell biology and immunology. In contrast, routine applications demand low-cost and sometimes even portable instruments and thus a minimum number of instrument components. Thus, there are currently two main research directions in FCM: the development of methods that can either address increasingly complex analytical challenges or provide low-cost and robust approaches for routine multiplex analyses. Common spectral multiplexing approaches face limitations in both directions. On the one hand, spectral overlap of labels restricts the number of codes and makes elaborate correction schemes necessary. On the other hand, even for lower degrees of multiplexing often a sophisticated optical setup is needed. An alternative to spectral multiplexing and intensity encoding is to exploit the luminescence lifetime (LT) as an encoding parameter. This can allow for extending the parameter space in combination with spectral encoding or result in more simple and compact devices due to fewer optical components. The availability of fast electronics enables miniaturized and portable lifetime measurement setups at relatively low cost. LT-FCM requires to master LT determination with a limited number of detected photons due to the short interaction time of the encoded objects with the laser spot. In this study, we address this issue for time-domain cytometry and present a novel lifetime flow cytometry (LT-FCM) platform based on a compact setup and straightforward time-domain measurements utilizing LT-encoded luminescent beads. Moreover, we present the realization of a first bioanalytical assay with LT-encoded beads.
Multiplexed encoding schemes of nano- and micrometer sized particles with fluorescent dyes or quantum dots (QDs) and their optical detection, are of increasing interest for applications in the life sciences, for example in flow cytometry. Almost all strategies utilizing fluorescence focus on spectrally distinguishable emission bands or colors and different intensity levels as fluorescence codes. The fluorescence parameter lifetime has been, however, barely exploited. In this work the goal is to perform multiplexing with encoding fluorophores with different fluorescence lifetimes (LTs). In comparison to the spectral multiplexing strategies this has the advantage, that the different fluorescence LT codes can be measured with the excitation and emission wavelength, thus reducing instrument costs. Moreover, LTs should not depend on emitter concentration. Unlike organic dyes, the LTs of which are typically < 10 ns, the fluorescence LTs of ternary semiconductor QDs that represent a “green” alternative to conventional Cd-containing QDs are in the range of several hundred ns, independent of oxygen concentration, and can be tuned to a certain extent by chemical composition and surface chemistry. This present a time region that can be barely covered by other emitters that have either much shorter or longer lifetimes. In this project, different encoding strategies will be assessed and the encoded particles will be then used for fluorescence assays for the analysis of several targets in parallel. Therefor the encoded particles will be functionalized with different target-specific bioligands and read out with a specifically designed flow cytometer enabling time-resolved fluorescence detection. With this instrument, the particles will be discriminated by their fluorescence LTs In one detection channel while the analytes will be quantified by fluorescence labels in a second channel in the intensity domain.
Multiplexed encoding schemes of nano- and micrometer sized polymer particles with fluorescent dyes or quantum dots (QDs) and their optical detection, are of increasing interest for applications in the life sciences, for example in flow cytometry. Almost all strategies utilizing fluorescence focus on spectrally distinguishable emission bands or colors and different intensity levels as fluorescence codes.
In this work the goal is to perform multiplexing with encoding fluorophores with different fluorescence lifetimes (LTs). In comparison to the spectral multiplexing strategies this has the advantage, that the different fluorescence LT codes can be measured with the same excitation and emission wavelength, thus reducing instrumental costs. Moreover, LTs should not depend on emitter concentration. Unlike organic dyes, the LTs of which are typically <10ns, the fluorescence LTs of ternary semiconductor QDs which represent a “green” alternative to conventional Cd-containing QDs are in the range of several hundred ns, independent of oxygen concentration, and can be tuned to a certain extent by chemical composition and surface chemistry. This presents a time region that can barely be covered by other emitters that have either much shorter or longer lifetimes. In this project, different encoding strategies will be assessed, and the encoded particles will then be used for fluorescence assays for the analysis of several targets in parallel. Therefore, the encoded particles will be functionalized with different target-specific bioligands and read out with a specifically designed flow cytometer enabling time-resolved fluorescence detection. With this instrument, the particles will be discriminated by their fluorescence LTs in one detection channel while the analytes will be quantified by fluorescence labels in a second channel in the intensity domain.
Spectral encoding of cells or particles and the discrimination of multiple spectral codes are a critical process in flow cytometry (FCM). Typical issues in spectral encoding are, e.g., the spectral overlap of codes, or the increasing complexity of instruments . The exploitation of the photoluminescence lifetime (LT) as an encoding parameter could be used to circumvent both of these issues, as it adds another dimension to the parameter space, or, when used as a stand-alone parameter, requiring only one excitation light source and one detector. While LT encoding was considered already decades ago it is still not implemented as a routine technique in FCM yet, mainly due to the challenge of very few photons being available within the limited transition time of a cell or particle through the laser spot.
Recently, we demonstrated LT-FCM based on luminophores with ns LTs in a compact and low-cost flow cytometer. Measurements on polymer microbeads containing luminophores with distinctly different excited state LTs enabled the complete discrimination of three LT codes and five codes in total could be identified.
Now, we have extended our approach towards considerably longer LTs by custom-made polymer microbeads loaded with different ratios of InP/ZnS and AgInS2 quantum dots. The use of these materials significantly expands the usable time range for LT encoding to up to several hundred ns. Our studies demonstrate the possibility to further increase the number of viable LT codes for multiplexing in LT-FCM without the need for extensive hardware modifications.
This paper describes the development of a semi-automatic gas measurement device presenting potentially a broad range of applications, noteworthy in the agricultural sector. Non-reversible fluorescent molecular sensors were designed and syn-thesized. Upon, integration into a hydrogel matrix with an optimal ratio of co-solvents, the sensors reacting selectively to ammonia were illuminated by excitation light to produce a concentration-correlated fluorescence emission. An automated mechanical-elec-trical device initiates a given gas mixture and thus simulates con-centrations similar to a threshold value. The aim of this project is to develop a sensor or a low-cost method which can monitor low concentrations of harmful gases and aid in their elimination or regulation in livestock housing, barns or stables.