Biosensors based on functionalized peptide nanostructures for detection and diagnosis of diseases

Abstract

Peptide nanostructures are biological entities that are able to self-organize under mild conditions rapidly and without employing specialized equipment or high temperatures. Modification of the peptide nanostructures with biomolecules can increase their properties for various nanotechnological applications. The objective of this research proposal is to describe the preparation and functionalization of peptide nanostructures for construction of a biosensor able to detect cells over-expressing folate receptors responsible of diseases such cancer and leishmaniasis. The functionalized peptide nanostructures will be characterized by ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance and Raman spectroscopies. While the size and structural details will be analyze using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The biosensor will be design through the integration of the functionalized peptide nanostructures in graphene and carbon electrodes. Immobilization and modification of the electrodes will be evaluated by means of electrochemical impedance, amperometry and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Parameters such as selectivity, stability and detection limit will be useful to evaluate the performance of the biosensor. The biosensor based on modified peptide nanostructures obtained in this research will be applied in early stage diagnoses of cancer disease and in the detection of cells infected with the parasite producing leishmaniasis. (AU)