Protein immobilization using atmospheric-pressure dielectric-barrier discharges: A route to a straightforward manufacture of bioactive films

An alternative single-step method for biomolecule entrapment in atmospheric plasma polymers is described. Relying on our experience to fabricate organic coatings at mild plasma conditions, fluorescent proteins and an organic coating precursor were simultaneously introduced to the DBD. Fluorescence microscopy and spectrum analysis unambiguously illustrate the single-step protein immobilization procedure using DBD. Moreover, in contrast to covalent immobilization procedures, the developed technique showed a homogeneous protein distribution in the coating. [GRAPHICS]