Switchable surfaces for biomedical applications

Cantini, Eleonora (2018). Switchable surfaces for biomedical applications. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Switchable oligopeptides, able to expose of conceal biomolecules on a surface, upon the application of an electrical potential, represent a versatile tool for the development of novel devices, presenting potential biomedical applications.

Recently, several studies have demonstrated the applicability of smart devices for the control of protein binding and cellular response. In this work; a detailed analysis of the steric requirements necessary to develop a mixed oligopeptide Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) presenting an optimum switching ability will be described. The influence of both the SAM components surface ratio and the switching unit length on the mixed SAMs switching performance will be investigated. The findings of this investigation will be used to develop, for the first time, a platform, based on electrically switchable oligopeptides, able to control the interaction between an antigen and its relative antibody. The influence of the biological medium on the oligopeptide switching ability will also be investigated.

Finally, an orthogonal functionalisation strategy, will be investigated in detail, together with a new platform able to promote human sperm cells adhesion. The results of this research thesis will also represent the first building blocks towards the development of glass-gold rnicropattemed surfaces able to control the calcium signalling in human sperm cells, presenting potential applications in the improvement of in-vitro fertilisation (NF) treatments success rates.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):