General strategy for biosensor design and construction employing multifunctional surface-tethered components

Biosensors function by reversibly linking bioreceptor-target analyte binding with closely integrated signal generation and can either continuously monitor analyte concentrations or be returned to baseline readout values by removal of analyte. We present an approach for producing fully reversible, reagentless, self-assembling biosensors on surfaces. In the prototype biosensor, quencher-dye-labeled biotin-linked E. coli maltose binding protein (MBP) bound in a specific orientation to a NeutrAvidin-coated surface is employed as a bioreceptor. To complete sensor formation, a modular tether arm consisting of a flexible biotinylated DNA oligonucleotide, a fluorescence resonance energy-transfer (FRET) donor dye, and a distal beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) analyte analogue is bound in an equimolar amount to the same surface by means of DNA-directed immobilization. After self-assembly, a baseline level of FRET quenching is observed due to specific interaction between the beta-CD of the flexible tether arm and the sugar binding site of MBP, which brings the two dyes into proximity. Addition of the target analyte, the nutrient maltose, displaces the linked beta-CD-dye of the DNA-based tether arm, and a concentration-dependent change in FRET results. Biosensor sensitivity and dynamic range can be controlled by either using MBP variants having different binding constants or by binding of modulator DNA oligonucleotides that are complementary to the flexible DNA tether. The sensor can be regenerated and returned to baseline quenching levels by washing away analyte. A complex set of interactions apparently exists on the sensing surface that may contribute to sensor behavior and range. This approach may represent a general way to assemble a wide range of useful biosensors.