(595b) Biomimetic Surfaces for the Detection of β-Amyloid

Research indicates a strong dependence between β-amyloid toxicity and ganglioside concentration within neuronal cell membranes. Taking advantage of this relationship, we assert that it is possible to develop a biomimetic surface to be used in sensing techniques that can bind β-amyloid selectively. Furthermore, by properly developing the substrate on which the biomimetic surface is developed, it is possible to not only detect β-amyloid, but to also determine its structure (amyloid vs. random coil). We propose making this determination via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).