AI Summary
Researchers from the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology have developed a novel mass cytometry barcoding strategy using UIO-66(Hf/Zr) MOF to exploit non-specific binding to cells. This approach overcomes NSB issues that limit biosensor performance and offers up to 84 mass barcode combinations. The research sheds light on how NSB can actually benefit biomedical engineering in certain situations.
Non-specific binding (NSB), the most annoying thing to scientists in the biosensing field, is one of the main factors limiting the performance of diagnostic sensors.
Researchers from the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (SIBET) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences propose a novel mass cytometry barcoding strategy based on UIO-66(Hf/Zr) typed metal organic framework (MOF) utilizing its non-specific binding to cells.
The research, titled “New perspective of non-specific binding: a powerful mass cytometry barcoding strategy based on UIO-66(Hf/Zr) typed MOF utilizing its strong positive charge,” was published in Chemical Engineering Journal.
Nanoparticle-based metal tags can increase mass cytometry signal intensity but usually result in severe NSB with cells, limiting its application in mass cytometry. A variety of methods have been developed to overcome the issues caused by NSB and increase the sensitivity and selectivity of biosensors.
“By understanding the mechanisms of nonspecific interactions, NSB can also play a positive role in biomedical engineering under certain circumstances,” said Professor Bai Pengli, leading scientist of the team.
Profiting from the nine abundant stable isotopes of Zr and Hf, the team can achieve up to 84 mass barcode combinations theoretically through the non-specific binding between positively charged UIO-66 and negatively charged cells.