Molecular Imprinting of Complex Matrices at Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors for Screening of Global Interactions of Polyphenols and Proteins

Molecular imprinting polymers (MIP) have been applied to capture and stabilize complex protein matrices at plasmonic sensor surfaces. Ultrathin MIP layers at the surface of gold nanodisks enable the label free quantification of global interactions of polyphenols with protein mixtures. Separate polyphenols (catechin, procyanidin B3- catechin dimer, and PGG-pentagalloyl glucose) give specific and different binding levels to the MIP supported saliva plasmonic sensor. The demonstrated biosensor has application to study bioavailability of polyphenols or evaluation of local retention of small drug molecules.