Self-oriented monolayer immobilization of ovalbumin and B. cereus antibody molecules on a chemically modified surface of silicon nitride fosters the enhancement of capture of bio-agents.

A fast and reliable detection of biological agents in air is of a crucial importance to respond to terrorist attacks. With the aim to efficiently react to such hazards there is the need to develop highly sensitive and specific detection analytical devices for selective and quantitative detection of biological threats such as the presence of Bacillus anthracis spores and/or the presence of Ricin A toxins. In this study we explored how to achieve an oriented immobilization of antibody molecules on silicon nitride surfaces to improve their efficiency to bind to specific target molecules. In particular, we used two different methods to covalently immobilize antibody molecules on silicon nitride surfaces, and here we report the obtained results.