Experimental Tools to Study Molecular Recognition within the Nanoparticle Corona

Authors

Markita P. Landry, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow
Sebastian Kruss, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow
Justin T. Nelson, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow
Gili Bisker, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow
Nicole M. Iverson, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow
Nigel F. Reuel, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow
Michael S. Strano, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyFollow

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

Sensors 2014, 14, 16196-16211

Comments

© 2014 by the authors.

Open access

doi:10.3390/s140916196

Abstract

Advancements in optical nanosensor development have enabled the design of sensors using synthetic molecular recognition elements through a recently developed method called Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe). The synthetic sensors resulting from these design principles are highly selective for specific analytes, and demonstrate remarkable stability for use under a variety of conditions. An essential element of nanosensor development hinges on the ability to understand the interface between nanoparticles and the associated corona phase surrounding the nanosensor, an environment outside of the range of traditional characterization tools, such as NMR. This review discusses the need for new strategies and instrumentation to study the nanoparticle corona, operating in both in vitro and in vivo environments. Approaches to instrumentation must have the capacity to concurrently monitor nanosensor operation and the molecular changes in the corona phase. A detailed overview of new tools for the understanding of CoPhMoRe mechanisms is provided for future applications.