Optimization of surface imprinted polymer sensing platforms by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy

Surface imprinting involves the synthesis of thin polymer layer in the presence of a template species to make artificial receptors. The implementation of such synthetic receptors into various biomimetic sensors is promising and allows for fast, specific, and low-cost target detection. However, their fundamental detection mechanisms are not fully understood yet. In this study, cell recognition mechanisms of surface imprinted polymers (SIP) were analyzed. Specifically, the molecular dynamics of the sensing surface was evaluated in order to analyze cell residue signatures that might be present and have a role in the binding mechanism. Secondly, the thermal and dielectric properties of the polymer used for making SIP were studied to optimize its synthesis. Finally, we studied the effects of humidity and temperature on phospholipid bilayer dynamics, kinetics, and structure. For this purpose, we proposed the application of a novel compact device that combines a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and dielectric spectroscopy and simultaneously provides valuable information regarding water absorption or desorption in a thin organic film together with its molecular dynamics.status: publishe