Characterization of pulsed plasma polymerization allylamine as an adhesion layer for DNA adsorption/hybridization

This paper presents an investigation of allylamine polymerization in pulsed radio frequency (RF) plasma as an adhesion layer immobilizing DNA probe for DNA hybridization assay. We looked for a simple and innovative way to improve the stability of pulsed plasma polymerization allylamine (PPPAA) film in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. To better understand the mechanism of PPPAA stability and the influence on DNA adsorption from films, several techniques were used. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface contact angle, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) as well as surface plasmon enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy (SPFS) were all employed to investigate the effect of plasma conditions on the film structure, amine density, and the DNA hybridization reaction. It concludes that polymer deposited at low working pressure is very stable and can be used as adhesion layers for further study of DNA hybridization assay.