ABSTRACT

PI:Vikesland
Proposal Number:1133746
Nanoparticle based assays are of growing interest for the in vitro and in vivo detection of pathogens because of their potential utility in highly sensitive and rapid field monitoring. Recently aptamers oligonucleotide strands that bind to biological targets with high affinity and selectivity, have been proposed as alternative recognition elements for biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and whole cells. Although aptamer functionalized nanomaterials have shown great utility for detection of these and other analytes there are few reports of the use of aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for intact pathogen detection. This project will produce aptamer functionalized gold nanoparticles Apt AuNPs for quantification of Staphylococcus aureus as a model emerging environmental pathogen of concern. It is the PI's hypothesis that coupling of the specificity imparted by an aptamer with the sensitivity achieved via surface plasmon facilitated signal transduction will produce sensor platforms that will be robust and readily translatable to field applications. To this end, they have proposed a design for Apt-AuNP constructs such that their sensitivity and specificity is maximized. It is noted that past studies illustrating the underlying fundamental applicability of aptamer functionalized nanoparticles for sensor applications have not necessarily produced nanoparticles that fully retain the specificity of the aptamer. In particular the PI contends that aptamer binding density is often not considered, even though it is well established that aptamer conformation must change in response to a recognition event. They propose a systematic approach to evaluate the role of surface density on aptamer specificity. Four research tasks have been identified: Task 1: Apt-AuNP of varying aptamer identity and surface density will be produced and characterized. Task 2: Apt-AuNP specificity will be assessed using a colorimetric screening assay. Task 3: Apt-AuNP sensitivity will be determined using a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic assay. Task 4: The field capabilities of Apt-AuNP will be evaluated using a portable Raman spectrophotometer.
This project is novel in that it will be the first to develop an aptamer functionalized
nanoparticle for pathogen detection. Prior to this effort, nanomaterial enabled biosensors for pathogens have relied almost exclusively on antibodies to provide assay specificity. The PI's strategy for the design of the Apt-AuNP particles utilizes a fundamental approach that will systematically consider how the different components of the Apt-AuNP construct affect aptamer sensitivity. The researchers believe this systematic engineering-science based approach will be emulated by others when they undertake the design of aptamer functionalized nanoparticles and as such has significant transformative potential.
Methicillin resistant S. aureus MRSA is the causative agent for a growing number of deadly disease outbreaks both within the United States as well as worldwide. Although this organism is historically associated with hospitals, recently, environmental outbreaks of MRSA as well as its detection in wastewater effluent have inaugurated MRSA as an emerging environmental pathogen of concern. Unfortunately existing protocols for detection of MRSA and other S. aureus strains are slow and not easily translatable to field applications. The proposed biosensor will address the global need for improved S. aureus detection specifically while providing a framework for the development of other aptamer based probes in the future.
Beyond a contribution to pressing research needs in nanotechnology environmental health and
safety, the project will build upon an existing educational outreach component, the Nanotechnology Educational and Environmental Outreach NEEO Program, that has been designed to train the next generation of environmental professionals in understanding and quantifying the effects of emerging technologies on human and environmental health. In this program, members of the Virginia Tech Environmental BioNanotechnology Laboratory research team are working in partnership with the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium to develop a series of extramurally funded internships that enable middle school educators and students to shadow the research team and learn about new methods for observing nanoscale phenomena occurring at biological and environmental interfaces. These internships are intended to provide opportunities for the development of new technology inspired curricula for educators as well as training and professional preparation for students.

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