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Probing the Hepatitis B Virus E-Antigen with a Nanopore Sensor Based on Collisional Events Analysis
Ioana C Bucataru1, Isabela Dragomir2, Alina Asandei2
1Department of Physics, Alexandru I. Cuza University, 700506 Iasi, Romania.
Biosensors
|August 25, 2022
Summary
This study explores using resistive-pulse sensing with a protein nanopore to detect hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg). The method shows potential for sensitive, label-free screening of HBeAg in biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Proteomics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Accurate detection of immunological proteins is crucial for timely disease diagnosis and treatment.
- Current methods for detecting proteins like hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) can be complex or expensive.
- Advancements in real-time, simple, and cost-effective detection technologies are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the applicability of resistive-pulse sensing technology with an alpha-hemolysin (α-HL) protein nanopore for HBeAg detection.
- To explore a novel label-free platform for sensitive screening of HBeAg targets.
- To demonstrate the potential of nanopore technology in proteomics and human biology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized resistive-pulse sensing with an α-HL protein nanopore.
- Employed electrophoretic forces to drive protein aggregates towards the nanopore.
- Detected HBeAg through transient ionic current spikes caused by partial nanopore occlusions.
Main Results:
- Successfully detected HBeAg via characteristic transient ionic current spikes.
- Observed stochastic bumping events of antigen-antibody complexes with the nanopore.
- Demonstrated the potential for detecting protein subpopulations in solution.
Conclusions:
- Resistive-pulse sensing with α-HL nanopores shows promise as a label-free platform for HBeAg detection.
- The approach offers sensitive, submicromolar-scale screening capabilities.
- This technology could impact proteomics and facilitate early diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B.
