A novel aldehyde dextran sulfonate matrix for affinity biosensors

Aldehyde dextran sulfonate (ADS), a modified oligosaccharide polymer, was used to prepare a new matrix structure for affinity biosensors. The principal difference between the ADS matrix and similar structures developed previously results from presence of two active functional groups in the matrix. namely, aldehyde and sulfonate. These groups perform two different functions in the matrix. The aldehyde group is responsible for covalent bonding in the biomaterials, and the negatively charged sulfonate group provides electrostatic attraction of the positively charged biomolecules. By varying the ratio between the aldehyde and sulfonate groups in the matrix, one can control contributions from the two binding modes (covalent and electrostatic). A number of oligosaccharides, such as simple dextran. aldehyde dextran (AD), aldehyde dextran sulfonate (ADS) and aldehyde ethylcellulose (AEC). were used for preparation of matrix structures. The properties of the obtained matrices were analysed and compared. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used as the main technique to characterize the matrix structures. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.