Author: JULIJA SARVUTIENĖ
Dissertation title: The application of electrochemical and QCM sensors in studying interactions involving high molecular weight compounds
Fields of science: Chemistry N 003
Scientific supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Urtė Prentice
Defence of the dissertation: 24 October 2025
SUMMARY: This dissertation focuses on the development and characterization of biosensors based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold surfaces for studying interactions of high molecular weight compounds. A modifying enzyme and protein markers were selected as model systems to integrate genetic and immunological aspects of molecular diagnostics. Enzyme immobilization, activity, reusability, and proteolysis were analyzed in real time using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), while protein marker–based biosensors enabled DNA interaction studies and kinetic modeling. An aptamer system was also tested for angiogenesis-related biomarker recognition. The obtained results demonstrate that immobilization strategies can preserve enzymatic and protein functionality, enabling reusable and label-free biosensor platforms. The findings contribute to the advancement of diagnostic tools with potential applications in genetic analysis, autoimmune disease monitoring, and biomedical sensor technologies.