PSP

Peptide Sensing Platforms for proteins and antibodies detection

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The present fellowship proposal aims to give the applicant a strong expertise in peptide folding and peptide based sensors. This objective will be reached through a scientific project focused on the development and optimization of a novel, rapid, point-of-care method for the simultaneous detection of multiple diagnostic proteins. The approach, which will utilize electrochemistry to monitor the binding-induced folding of peptide/polypeptide used as recognition elements, will be rapid, specific, convenient and, critically, selective enough to be employed directly in blood serum and -we propose- whole blood. Through a multidisciplinary and complementary approach the fellow will be trained in protein and peptide folding, a field fundamental to develop the proposed biosensor platform. Training on peptide labeling with redox tags and on formation of peptide films on different sensor surfaces will be also exploited during the fellowship in order to achieve the final research objectives. Outgoing and return host institutions have both the required expertise for these training and scientific objectives. In particular, the outgoing host, Prof. Plaxco lab at UCSB, USA, has a unique strong expertise on both peptide/protein folding and electrochemical sensors. The outcome of the fellowship will be crucial for the applicant’s future career and will not only strengthen his scientific knowledge but also his communication and didactic know-how. Moreover, the peptide sensors developed could be of strong impact for the scientific excellence of European Community.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A European study developed a new class of protein biosensors that can detect antibodies in the blood at point-of-care.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Biosensors are increasingly being used in diagnostic devices for the physicochemical detection of biological molecules. The receptor in the device incorporates a component that can interact with a specific molecule of interest, such as antibodies for the detection of proteins.

The scope of the EU-funded 'Peptide sensing platforms for proteins and antibodies detection' (PSP) project was to develop an innovative biosensor platform based on proteins for the detection of antibodies. This method would be used at point-of-care to simultaneously detect multiple targets rapidly and conveniently, directly in blood serum.

Among the project's objectives was to study the effect of surface on the folding of biomolecules and especially on proteins. For this purpose, the PSP device utilised electrochemistry for monitoring the binding-induced folding of proteins on the sensor.

To understand how proteins behave in the presence of a specific antibody, scientists performed optical tests using fluorescently labelled peptides. They also explored the formation of peptide films on different sensor surfaces or even the modification of peptides with redox tags. Attachment of these polypeptides to an electrode surface can be used to detect specific antibodies.

The expertise obtained during the PSP study on peptide and polypeptide electrochemical sensors could significantly improve diagnosis, therapies and medical procedures. In addition, this device could be implemented in the routine clinical monitoring of health and wellness.