Microfluidic Fabrication of Colloidal Nanomaterials-Encapsulated Microcapsules for Biomolecular Sensing

Xi Xie, Weixia Zhang, Alireza Abbaspourrad, Jiyoung Ahn, Andrew Bader, Suman Bose, Arturo Vegas, Jiaqi Lin, Jun Tao, Tian Hang, Hyomin Lee, Nicole Iverson, Gili Bisker, Linxian Li, Michael S. Strano, David A. Weitz, Daniel G. Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Scopus citations

Abstract

Implantable sensors that detect biomarkers in vivo are critical for early disease diagnostics. Although many colloidal nanomaterials have been developed into optical sensors to detect biomolecules in vitro, their application in vivo as implantable sensors is hindered by potential migration or clearance from the implantation site. One potential solution is incorporating colloidal nanosensors in hydrogel scaffold prior to implantation. However, direct contact between the nanosensors and hydrogel matrix has the potential to disrupt sensor performance. Here, we develop a hollow-microcapsule-based sensing platform that protects colloidal nanosensors from direct contact with hydrogel matrix. Using microfluidics, colloidal nanosensors were encapsulated in polyethylene glycol microcapsules with liquid cores. The microcapsules selectively trap the nanosensors within the core while allowing free diffusion of smaller molecules such as glucose and heparin. Glucose-responsive quantum dots or gold nanorods or heparin-responsive gold nanorods were each encapsulated. Microcapsules loaded with these sensors showed responsive optical signals in the presence of target biomolecules (glucose or heparin). Furthermore, these microcapsules can be immobilized into biocompatible hydrogel as implantable devices for biomolecular sensing. This technique offers new opportunities to extend the utility of colloidal nanosensors from solution-based detection to implantable device-based detection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2015-2020
Number of pages6
JournalNano Letters
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 8 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Microcapsules
  • biomolecular sensing
  • microfluidic fabrication
  • nanosensors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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