Selective Artificial Receptors Based on Micropatterned Surface‐Imprinted Polymers for Label‐Free Detection of Proteins by SPR Imaging

Abstract A novel concept to generate micropatterned surface‐imprinted polymers (SIPs) for protein recognition by using standard photolithographic technology is introduced. Avidin‐imprinted poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT/PSS) conducting polymer microbands are prepared directly on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) chips, which enable convenient label‐free monitoring of the binding events. The novel surface‐imprinted microstructures bind avidin, the template protein, with dissociation constants in the submicromolar range (125 nM). The SIPs have an avidin binding capacity approximately one order of magnitude higher than the corresponding nonimprinted polymers and are able to discriminate among functional homologues of avidin, i.e., neutravidin, extravidin, and streptavidin.