Label-free sensitive detection of MUC1 using a liquid crystal based-system

Abstract

This study reports the development of a novel label-free aptasensor which uses the orientation properties of nematic liquid crystals (LCs) to detect mucin 1 (MUC1) is developed. The sensor is made of immobilised amine-functionalised aptamers on the surface, with LCs serving as response elements. When MUC1 interacts with the immobilised aptamers, it forms a complex that disrupts the LC orientation, taking them from homeotropic to random alignment. This change in the orientation of LCs is easily observed as a shift in the optical LC image from dark to bright using a polarised light microscope. This sensing system is highly sensitive (detection limit of 5 fg mL(-1)) and exhibits good specificity for detection of MUC1 without labelling or an additional amplification step.