Hydrogel-based Matrices

Embedding Reagents in Hydrogel –
Smart Matrices and Coatings

for production, storage, detection and assay development

Hydrogels offer many interesting properties that make them ideal matrices for storing active reagents and developing sensors. By embedding active reagents such as the dye Amplex Red™ or enzymes such as glucose oxidase or peroxidases, improved stability can be achieved despite challenging storage conditions. Upon exposure to aqueous solutions the reagents are released from the membranes with the swelling of the gel and are then immediately available in solution. Mounting these dry membranes to microtiter plates enables a smart all-in-one approach. The result is a ready-to-use assay – without dilution or addition of reagents. Fraunhofer IZI-BB develops functionalized hydrogel membranes for its partners that are loaded with reagents and embedded in microtiter plate wells. The preloaded reagents drastically accelerate assays and significantly reduce preparative effort.

Characteristics and Benefits

• Versatile, hydrophilic matrix – Hydrogel membranes are an ideal basis for the development of stable, ready-to-use assays.
• Improved reagent stability – Better storage and planning options facilitate response to dynamic order situations.
• Various functionalizations and loadings – Once the workflow has been established and validated, the concept can be easily transferred to other assay formats.
• Use of biocompatible polymers – Assays are not affected, or only minimally affected, by the use of biocompatible hydrogel membranes.
• Various application and coating methods – such as: knife-coating, screen printing, spin coating, and mold casting
• Ratiometric strategy for different layer thicknesses – Enables precise measurement results for different layer thicknesses