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. 2024 Jan 29;24(3):883.
doi: 10.3390/s24030883.

Exploring Novel Sensor Design Ideas through Concentration-Induced Conformational Changes in PEG Single Chains

Miao Yu  1   2 , Chong Jiang  1   2 , Bing Lai  1   2 , Kai Zhang  1   2
Affiliations

Exploring Novel Sensor Design Ideas through Concentration-Induced Conformational Changes in PEG Single Chains

Miao Yu et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an artificial polymer with good biocompatibility and a low cost, which has a wide range of applications. In this study, the dynamic response of PEG single chains to different ion concentrations was investigated from a microscopic point of view based on single-molecule force spectroscopy, revealing unique interactions that go beyond the traditional sensor-design paradigm. Under low concentrations of potassium chloride, PEG single chains exhibit a gradual reduction in rigidity, while, conversely, high concentrations induce a progressive increase in rigidity. This dichotomy serves as the cornerstone for a profound understanding of PEG conformational dynamics under diverse ion environments. Capitalizing on the remarkable sensitivity of PEG single chains to ion concentration shifts, we introduce innovative sensor-design ideas. Rooted in the adaptive nature of PEG single chains, these sensor designs extend beyond the traditional applications, promising advancements in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and materials science.

Keywords: PEG; ion concentration; single-chain rigidity; single-molecule force spectroscopy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(A) Typical single-chain F–E curves of PEG obtained in DI water, and (B) the normalized single-chain F–E curves of those shown in (A).
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A) Comparison of the single-chain elasticity of PEG in 0.001 M and 0.01 M KCl. (B) The single-chain rigidity fitting of PEG in the concentrations of KCl shown in (A).
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A) Comparison of the single-chain elasticity of PEG in 0.01 M and 0.1 M. (B) The single-chain rigidity of PEG in those concentrations shown in (A).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Comparison of the single-chain elasticity of PEG in DI water, TCE, and 0.1 M KCl.
Figure 5
Figure 5
(A) Comparison of the single-chain elasticity of PEG in DI water, 1 M, and 4 M KCl. (B) The single-chain rigidity of PEG in those concentrations shown in (A).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Novel PEG concentration-dependent sensor-based design ideas: (A) Weight stretching device; (B) Light transmission device.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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