NanoMIP based biomimetic receptors for virus detection and removal using integrated approaches

• Applicant: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Zeynep Altintas
• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry ; Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 428780268

Approximately 884 million people lack access to sanitary drinking water which accounts for roughly 13% of global population. As a consequence, this causes the death of millions of people every year due to the contraction of waterborne diseases. Increasing access tosafe, clean drinking water can significantly reduce deaths and increase global public health. Viruses are one of the most pathogenic contaminants found in water sources. Even few virus particles are infectious and they are stable in environment for extended periods of time. Virus detection in water requires qualified personnel and specialized analytical methods. The detection limits of these techniques are not enough for researchers to conclude that a sample is completely free of viruses. Therefore, this project aims to develop biomimetic receptors to be used in biosensor-based virus detection and also to be embedded into chromatographic columns and membrane filters for virus removal. The project will tightly connect computational and experimental research to increase the success of epitope chips and receptor embedded chromatographic columns/membrane filters. Thus, to obtain highly efficient receptors for virus sensing and capture, the protein coats on virus surfaces will be simulated using molecular dynamic calculations. The stability and conformational changes of the binding regions (epitopes) will be determined in these circumstances since the behavior of biological molecules plays important role for their mechanism of action and molecular interaction. Computational simulations will also be carried out for receptor design to determine the optimal manufacturing recipes. The receptors will be then synthesized for the epitopes using an innovative molecular imprinting technique. The biomimetic-epitope receptors will be used for the development of epitope-chips for sensors. The epitope-chips will be incorporated in/to electrochemical and optical biosensors and they will be capable of sensing whole virus via epitope regions. The binding interactions between each epitope-receptor and virus will be determined based on sensor results. The high affinity receptors will be then embedded into chromatographic columns and membrane filters for virus capture and removal, respectively. The proposed project may contribute to the solution for global health problems by offering sensitive and easy-to-use detection/removal principles for viruses. Today, there are a lot of biosensor devices on the market for research and development. However, they are still far away from fieldwork, very expensive and they require a well-trained person to conduct analyses. The developed epitope-chips will fill these gaps as they will be integrated into any biosensor device. The success of the project in chromatographic column and membrane filter applications will have an immense impact, particularly in developing countries.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants