Color changing polymer films for detecting chemical and biological targets
Inventors
Kofinas, Peter • Ayyub, Omar B. • Sekowski, Jennifer W. • Yang, Ta-I
Assignees
University of Maryland College Park • United States Department of the Army • Government of the United States of America
Publication Number
US-9863886-B2
Publication Date
2018-01-09
Expiration Date
2032-05-31
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Abstract
A sensor system, and a method of detecting a target analyte, comprises a chemically functionalized block copolymer, and a target analyte. The block copolymer exhibits a color change in the visible spectrum upon exposure to the target analyte.
Core Innovation
The invention described is a sensor system and method for detecting a target analyte using chemically functionalized block copolymer films that exhibit a color change in the visible light spectrum upon exposure to the target analyte. Specifically, the invention utilizes block copolymers such as polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), which are chemically modified to cause swelling that changes the spacing and refractive index contrast between lamellar layers, thus shifting the wavelength of reflected visible light and producing an instantaneous, visibly discernable response.
The problem being solved addresses limitations in conventional sensor systems that rely on photonic crystals or other materials which produce small or non-visible color changes upon exposure to target molecules, often requiring supplementary equipment for detection. The invention provides a facile, easily fabricated sensor that yields an immediate and observable color change without the need for complex particle synthesis, expensive fabrication techniques, or additional analytical equipment.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent method claim defining a sensor system involving block copolymers and antibody linkage with several dependent claims specifying materials and targets. Four main inventive features define the scope of the independent claim and key dependent aspects.
Functionalized block copolymer with lamellar morphology
The method provides a block copolymer having a lamellar morphology with at least two layers, which is chemically functionalized to respond to analytes.
Antibody linking to functionalized block copolymer
An antibody capable of binding a moiety of a target analyte is linked to the functionalized block copolymer, enabling selective recognition that alters the distance between the lamellar layers.
Color change via shift in peak wavelength in visible spectrum
The functionalized block copolymer exhibits a shift in peak wavelength in the visible spectrum upon exposure to and recognition of the target analyte by the linked antibody, causing a detectable color change due to variations in lamellar spacing.
Target analyte types and coupling to textile materials
The method encompasses detecting analytes including sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose), foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Listeria, Salmonella), toxins (ricin, sarin, soman), explosive compounds (nitroglycerin, triacetone triperoxide), and optionally coupling the functionalized block copolymer to textile materials for wearable sensing.
Overall, the claims cover a sensor system based on chemically functionalized block copolymers with lamellar morphology that produce visible color shifts upon target recognition via linked antibodies, adaptable to a broad range of analytes and possible integration into textiles.
Stated Advantages
Provides an easily fabricated sensor system that yields an instantaneous, visibly discernable color change upon exposure to target analytes without the need for supplementary equipment.
Enables selective recognition of a variety of biological and chemical targets including sugars, pathogens, toxins, and explosives with a simple, reliable nanostructured polymer material or coating.
Allows tuning of sensor optical properties and colors by controlling polymer film crosslink density, enhancing versatility and specificity of detection.
Documented Applications
Detection of sugars including glucose, fructose, galactose, and mannose.
Detection of foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
Detection of toxins including ricin, sarin, and soman.
Detection of explosive compounds such as nitroglycerin and triacetone triperoxide (TATP).
Integration into textile or fabric materials to detect target components in human sweat or other analytes for wearable sensing.
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