We
describe a process for engineering a synthetic polymer nanoparticle
(NP) that functions as an effective, broad-spectrum metalloproteinase
inhibitor. Inhibition is achieved by incorporating three functional
elements in the NP: a group that interacts with the catalytic zinc
ion, functionality that enhances affinity to the substrate-binding
pocket, and fine-tuning of the chemical composition of the polymer
to strengthen NP affinity for the enzyme surface. The approach is
validated by synthesis of a NP that sequesters and inhibits the proteolytic
activity of snake venom metalloproteinases from five clinically relevant
species of snakes. The mechanism of action of the NP mimics that of
endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. The strategy provides
a general design principle for synthesizing abiotic polymer inhibitors
of enzymes.
In this work, we report on a rapid, efficient electrochemical iodine sensor based on mechanically treated carbon nanofiber (MCNF) electrodes. The electrode’s highly graphitic content, unique microstructure, and the presence of nitrogen heteroatoms in its atomic lattice contribute to increased heterogeneous electron transfer and improved kinetics compared to conventional pyrolytic carbons. The electrode demonstrates selectivity for iodide ions in the presence of both interfering agents and high salt concentrations. The sensor exhibits clinically relevant limits of detection of 0.59 µM and 1.41 µM, in 1X PBS and synthetic urine, respectively, and a wide dynamic range between 5 µM and 700 µM. These results illustrate the advantages of the material’s unique electrochemical properties for iodide sensing, in addition to its simple, inexpensive fabrication. The reported iodine sensor eliminates the need for specimen processing, revealing its aptitude for applications in point-of-care diagnostics.
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