초록 |
The interface between 5CB microdroplets and water decorated by an amphiphilic block copolymer of PAA-b-LCP was examined for protein detection. Two model proteins, Lysozyme and Bovine serum albumin (BSA) with isoelectric points of 11.1 and 4.9, respectively were selected for this study. The complex formation between the charged proteins and PAA block of the PAA-b-LCP at the aqueous-LC interface resulted in the change of the LC orientation in the droplet induced by spatial electrostatic interactions. The transition of the LC microdroplets from radial to bipolar can be easily visualized under crossed polarizers. This work demonstrates a simple approach for the development of a LC-based sensor for label-free detection of proteins, which may find diverse applications in biomedical field. |