A Biocatalytic Nanomaterial for the Label‐Free Detection of Virus‐Like Particles

Abstract

The design of nanomaterials that are capable of specific and sensitive biomolecular recognition is an on-going challenge in the chemical and biochemical sciences. A number of sophisticated artificial systems have been designed to specifically recognize a variety of targets. However, methods based on natural biomolecular detection systems using antibodies are often superior. Besides greater affinity and selectivity, antibodies can be easily coupled to enzymatic systems that act as signal amplifiers, thus permitting impressively low detection limits. The possibility to translate this concept to artificial recognition systems remains limited due to design incompatibilities. Here we describe the synthesis of a synthetic nanomaterial capable of specific biomolecular detection by using an internal biocatalytic colorimetric detection and amplification system. The design of this nanomaterial relies on the ability to accurately grow hybrid protein-organosilica layers at the surface of silica nanoparticles. The method allows for label-free detection and quantification of targets at picomolar concentrations.

Nanobased Platforms for Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: From Benchtop to Bedside

“…These nanomaterials include metal, silica and polymeric nanoparticles, quantum dots (QDs), and carbon nanotubes ( Table 2 ). 113 …”

Materials Science at Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences

“…Following this proof of concept, we adapted this chemical strategy to virus-like particles [47] and implemented an internal enzyme-based detection system allowing for label-free virus detection. [48] Enzyme immobilization and encapsulation represent established strategies to retain enzymatic activity while improving their stability against physicochemical stress conditions. Building upon our findings on virus imprinting, we have developed the concept of supramolecular enzyme engineering which, in contrast to enzyme engineering, does not require genetic manipulation or covalent modification of the enzyme.…”

Engineering Nanosized Organosilica for Molecular Recognition and Biocatalysis Applications

“…In our efforts to develop recognition nanomaterials endowed with specific virus recognition properties, we have created a method to generate chemical imprints of viruses at the surface of silica nanoparticles (SNPs). [5][6][7] In order to establish the proof of concept, we used plant viruses that can be produced in large quantities. Briefly, the method developed consists in first crosslinking the virus at the surface of SNPs.…”

“…Merging the strategies established for the development of materials for molecular recognition and for biocatalysis, we have developed a novel method for molecular detection of a target virus. [7] The nanomaterial consists of an enzyme immobilized onto SNP covered with an organosilica shell, and sequentially enclosed in a virus-recognition layer produced by surface imprinting (Fig. 3a).…”