Publication details
Femtogram Electrochemical Sensing of Prion Proteins Using Quantum Dots
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2013 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | International Journal of Electrochemical Science |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://www.electrochemsci.org/papers/vol8/81212466.pdf |
| Field | Electrochemistry |
| Keywords | Quantum Dot; Prion Proteins; In Vivo Imaging; Electrochemistry; Differential Pulse Voltammetry |
| Description | The prion protein (PrP) is involved in neurodegeneration via its conversion from the normal cellular form, PrPC, to the infectious form, PrPSc, which is the causative agent of the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). In spite of great effort in this field, diagnostics of prion protein caused diseases represents a sort of challenge. In this study, we aimed our attention on studying of prion protein interaction with CdTe quantum dots (QDs) by voltammetry as a new and extremely sensitive tool for sensing of these proteins. Primarily, we characterized fluorescent and electrochemical properties of QDs. Further, electrochemical study of their interactions was carried out to find the most suitable conditions for sensitive detection of prion proteins. Detection limit (3 S/N) was estimated as 1 fg in 5 mu l. This makes labeling of proteins with QDs of great importance due to easy applicability and possibility to use in miniaturized devices, which can be used in situ. Based on our results it can be concluded that QDs-prion protein complex is stable and can be quantified in extremely low amounts. This should open new possibilities how to determine the presence of these proteins on surgical equipment and other types of materials, which could be contagious. |
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