Tomáš Nedelčev

Biosensor for calcium based on a hydrogel optical waveguide with integrated sensor proteins

We present a new optical biosensor concept based on hydrogel waveguides with integrated fluorescent proteins developed as a platform for implantable sensors. In this prototype the sensor detects the presence or absence of calcium through changes in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) induced by conformational changes of a FRET protein. The protein is immobilized in a synthetic hydrogel matrix with cylindrical shape, which serves simultaneously as an optical waveguide for the excitation light. The specificity of the protein determines which molecule can be detected.

Synthesis of cinnamic acid-derived 4,5-dihydrooxazoles

A range of cinnamic units containing 4,5-dihydrooxazoles was prepared using two different synthetic routes. The first method was based on the transformation of substituted cinnamic or benzoic acids to 2-styryl-4,5-dihydrooxazoles. Several derivatives containing phenolic groups were prepared in this manner. The second approach consisted of a reaction between the 4,5-dihydrooxazole moiety and double bond-containing compounds. These compounds contain two or more reactive centres capable of providing polymerisations and also organic reactions.