Screening molecular recognition element-based SWCNT optical sensors for the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Immunology

Background:

• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a key proinflammatory cytokine involved in immune responses and disease.
• TNF-α is a crucial biomarker for various conditions, including autoimmune diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer.
• Current detection methods for TNF-α require improvement in sensitivity and spatial resolution for dynamic monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate aptamer- and antibody-based sensors utilizing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for TNF-α detection.
• To assess sensor performance in complex biological matrices like human and bovine serum.
• To identify optimal sensor designs and surface chemistries for reliable TNF-α quantification.

Main Methods:

• Development and testing of multiple aptamer and antibody sensor constructs integrated with SWCNT near-infrared photoluminescence.
• Evaluation of sensor sensitivity and selectivity in physiologically relevant serum concentrations.
• Investigation of the impact of surface passivation and exogenous quenchers on sensor performance.

Main Results:

• Several aptamer and antibody SWCNT-based sensors demonstrated sensitive and selective detection of TNF-α in serum.
• Sensor performance was significantly influenced by surface passivation strategies and the incorporation of quenchers.
• A lead sensor construct (VR11-SWCNT aptamer) was validated, showing improved performance in serum conditions.

Conclusions:

• The study validates a strategy for creating nanoscale optical sensors for TNF-α detection using SWCNT photoluminescence.
• Optimized sensor designs, including surface passivation and quencher chemistry, are critical for reliable detection in biological fluids.
• These SWCNT-based sensors hold promise for improved diagnosis and monitoring of inflammation-driven chronic diseases.