Development and Characterization of Magnetic SARS-CoV-2 Peptide-Imprinted Polymers

Abstract

The development of new methods for the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of SARS-CoV-2 is a key factor in overcoming the global pandemic that we have been facing for over a year. In this work, we focused on the preparation of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MMIPs) based on the self-polymerization of dopamine at the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Instead of using the whole SARS-CoV-2 virion as a template, a peptide of the viral spike protein, which is present at the viral surface, was innovatively used for the imprinting step. Thus, problems associated with the infectious nature of the virus along with its potential instability when used as a template and under the polymerization conditions were avoided. Dopamine was selected as a functional monomer following a rational computational screening approach that revealed not only a high binding energy of the dopamine–peptide complex but also multi-point interactions across the entire peptide template surface as opposed to other monomers with similar binding affinity. Moreover, variables affecting the imprinting efficiency including polymerization time and amount of peptide and dopamine were experimentally evaluated. Finally, the selectivity of the prepared MMIPs vs. other peptide sequences (i.e., from Zika virus) was evaluated, demonstrating that the developed MMIPs were only specific for the target SARS-CoV-2 peptide.

Anin silicopredictive method to select multi-monomer combinations for peptide imprinting

“…We have recently established the utility of the AD4 scoring functions within two experimental studies, which present a direct correlation with the MIP performance. 43,44 The rational screening from a library of monomers for peptide imprinting complemented with the analysis of multi–point interactions across the template surface has aided in significantly improving the specificity of the resulting MIP.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors for SARS-CoV-2: Where Are We Now?

“…(ii) Epitope Imprinting : To overcome the limitations in biomacromolecule and virus imprinting, exposed peptides of the analyte have been used as templates, which could recognize both the template and its holoprotein/whole virus [ 20 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ]. This concept was introduced by Rachkov and Minoura and was termed epitope imprinting, as it is similar to the immunological determinant recognized by an antibody [ 20 , 76 , 77 ].…”

“…Later, Scheller’s group developed a fully electrochemical approach (including template removal: anodic potential pulses) on gold surfaces [ 79 ]. Epitope imprinting was also exploited for virus sensing for various viruses, comprising recently SARS-CoV-2 [ 39 , 58 , 72 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 ]. It is important to note that in the epitope approach, the area of specific interaction of the protein with the MIP is restricted to the epitope cavities.…”

Potential Application of Bionanoparticles to Treat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Infection

“…It can conjugate with several metal ions to form thermal annealing in a protective environment (Li et al, 2020). Magnetic nanoparticles were prepared by incorporating magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer based on self-polymerization of dopamine (Fresco-Cala et al, 2021). A peptide of viral spike protein was used here instead of using the whole SARS-CoV-2 virion template.…”