FTIR-ATR biosensor based on self-assembled phospholipids surface: Haemophilia factor VIII diagnosis

We report a new generic device suitable for the investigation of biological interactions by means of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The research is focused on multi reflected evanescent optical radiation through a chemically modified surface of the attenuated total reflection (ATR) element (silicon or germanium). Using a wet chemistry approach, the original method is based on grafting of a bifunctional binding molecule (N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester forms) at the surface of the Si or the Ge crystals. The functionalized surface permits then the foundation of different types of self-assembled phospholipid membranes. The obtained sensors allow the detection, in infrared spectral domain, of any perceptible molecular interaction or structural changes. The key experimental result concerns the coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). The principle of the diagnostic is related to the ability of FFVIII molecules to bind specifically to phosphatidylserine (PS) membrane.