Integration of genetically modified virus-like-particles with an optical resonator for selective bio-detection

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing

Background:

• Integrating bioreceptors with sensor platforms is challenging due to compatibility issues.
• Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer a robust nanoreceptor solution for biosensing.
• Selective peptides can be functionalized onto VLPs for specific molecular recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To integrate a novel Tobacco Mosaic Virus-like particle (TMV-VLP) nanoreceptor layer with an optical microdisk resonator transducer.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of self-assembly for integrating nanoreceptors with microfabricated devices.
• To showcase label-free biosensing capabilities using the functionalized TMV-VLP receptor.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of TMV-VLPs with selective peptides for targeted biomolecule binding.
• Integration of the TMV-VLP bioreceptor layer onto an optical microdisk resonator transducer.
• Utilizing resonant wavelength shifts (Δλo) to detect antibody binding events via optical transduction.
• Performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to amplify the sensing signal.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of the TMV-VLP nanoreceptor layer with the optical microdisk resonator.
• Observed resonant wavelength shifts of 0.79 nm after primary antibody binding.
• Achieved a significant resonant wavelength shift of 5.95 nm after ELISA, demonstrating amplified label-free sensing.
• Validated the TMV-VLP's ability for self-assembly and compatibility with microfabrication.

Conclusions:

• The novel TMV-VLP nanoreceptor layer demonstrates robust integration with optical microdisk resonators for biosensing.
• This approach enables sensitive, label-free detection of biomolecular interactions, including antibody binding.
• The TMV-VLP receptor coating offers flexibility for integration with various transducer platforms, advancing biosensor technology.