foodborne-pathogen-screening-using-magneto-fluorescent-nanosensor

Foodborne Pathogen Screening Using Magneto-fluorescent Nanosensor: Rapid Detection of <em>E. Coli</em> O157:H7

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been linked to both waterborne and foodborne illnesses, and remains a threat despite the food- and ...

Pittsburg State University

Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 presents a serious threat to human health and sanitation and is a leading cause in many food- and waterborne ailments. While conventional bacterial detection methods such as PCR, fluorescent immunoassays and ELISA exhibit high sensitivity and specificity, they are relatively laborious and require sophisticated instruments. In addition, these methods often demand extensive sample preparation and have lengthy readout times. We propose a simpler and more sensitive diagnostic technique featuring multiparametric magneto-fluorescent nanosensors (MFnS). Through a combination of magnetic relaxation and fluorescence measurements, our nanosensors are able to detect bacterial contamination with concentrations as little as 1 colony-forming unit (CFU). The magnetic relaxation property of our MFnS allow for sensitive screening at low target CFU, which is complemented by fluorescence measurements of higher CFU samples. Together, these qualities allow for the detection and quantification of broad-spectrum contaminations in samples ranging from aquatic reservoirs to commercially produced food.

Multiparametric Magneto-fluorescent Nanosensors for the Ultrasensitive Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

Rapid detection and diagnosis of pathogenic strains of influenza is necessary for expedited treatment and quicker resolutions to the ever-rising flu pandemics. Considering this, we propose the development of novel magnetic relaxation nanosensors (MRnS) for the rapid detection of influenza through targeted binding with hemagglutinin. 2,6- and 2,3-sialic acid ligands and entry blocker peptides are conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles to create functional MRnS. Positive detection of various hemagglutinin variants (H1 and H5) is possible with protein concentrations as little as 1.0 nM. Most importantly, detection using functional MRnS is achieved within minutes and differentiates between influenza subtypes. This specificity allows mixtures of MRnS to screen for multiple pathogens at once, discarding the need to conduct multiple individual tests. Current methods used to diagnose influenza, such as RT-PCR and viral culturing, while largely effective, are complex, time-consuming and costly. As well, they are not as sensitive or specific, and have been known to produce false-positive results. In contrast to these methods, targeted MRnS are robust, point-of-care diagnostic tools featuring simple, rapid and low-cost procedures. These qualities, as well as high sensitivity and specificity, and low turnaround times, make a strong case for the diagnostic application of MRnS in clinical settings.

Novel magnetic relaxation nanosensors: an unparalleled "spin" on influenza diagnosis.

K-RAS driven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a major cause of death among smokers. Recently, nanotechnology has introduced novel avenues for the diagnosis and personalized treatment options for cancer. Herein, we report a novel, multifunctional nanoceria platform loaded with a unique combination of two therapeutic drugs, doxorubicin (Doxo) and Hsp90 inhibitor ganetespib (GT), for the diagnosis and effective treatment of NSCLC. We hypothesize that the use of ganetespib synergizes and accelerates the therapeutic efficacy of Doxo via ROS production, while minimizing the potential cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin drug. Polyacrylic acid (PAA)-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles (PNC) were fabricated for the targeted combination therapy of lung cancers. Using "click" chemistry, the surface carboxylic acid groups of nanoceria were decorated with folic acid to target folate-receptor-overexpressing NSCLC. As a result of combination therapy, results showed more than 80% of NSCLC death within 48 h of incubation. These synergistic therapeutic effects were assessed via enhanced ROS, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and migration assays. Overall, these results indicated that the targeted codelivery of Doxo and GT using nanoceria may offer an alternative combination therapy option for the treatment of undruggable NSCLC.

Combination Therapy of NSCLC Using Hsp90 Inhibitor and Doxorubicin Carrying Functional Nanoceria.

How can nanosensors detect bacterial contamination before it ever reaches the dinner table?

The aim of this research is twofold: 1) to shed light on zika's binding and entry mechanism while 2) demonstrating the effectiveness of our magnetic relaxation platform to achieve this goal. Magnetic relaxation-sensitive nanoparticles (MRNPs) are used in a novel fashion to analyze binding interactions between the zika envelope protein (ZENV) and proposed host cell receptors: AXL, HSP70, and TIM-1. Computational analysis is also utilized to examine these binding interactions for the first time. In addition, the role of crizotinib as a potential binding inhibitor is demonstrated and the possibility of ligand-independent phosphatidylserine-mediated binding is explored. Our findings suggest that while the extracellular domain of AXL has the highest affinity for ZENV; HSP70, TIM-1, and phosphatidylserine might also play active roles in zika tropism, which offers a potential explanation for the variety of zika-associated symptoms. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that MRNPs have been used to examine and quantify host-zika interactions. Our magnetic relaxation platform allows for timely and sensitive analysis of these intricate binding relationships, and it is easily customizable for further examination of additional host-pathogen interactions.

Tyler Shelby

Department of Chemistry and Kansas Polymer Research Center

Pittsburg State University

Foodborne Pathogen Screening Using Magneto-fluorescent Nanosensor: Rapid Detection of E. Coli O157:H7

Tyler Shelby

.css-o250i3{font-size:18px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;line-height:21.6px;}Department of Chemistry and Kansas Polymer Research Center

Pittsburg State University

Foodborne Pathogen Screening Using Magneto-fluorescent Nanosensor: Rapid Detection of E. Coli O157:H7

Department of Chemistry and Kansas Polymer Research Center