8 research outputs found
A colorimetric strategy based on dynamic chemistry for direct detection of Trypanosomatid species
Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are endemic in many countries, and re-emerging in the developed
countries. A rapid and accurate diagnosis is important for early treatment for reducing the duration
of infection as well as for preventing further potential health complications. In this work, we have
developed a novel colorimetric molecular assay that integrates nucleic acid analysis by dynamic
chemistry (ChemNAT) with reverse dot-blot hybridization in an array format for a rapid and easy
discrimination of Leishmania major and Trypanosoma cruzi. The assay consists of a singleplex PCR
step that amplifies a highly homologous DNA sequence which encodes for the RNA component of the
large ribosome subunit. The amplicons of the two different parasites differ between them by single
nucleotide variations, known as “Single Nucleotide Fingerprint” (SNF) markers. The SNF markers can
be easily identified by naked eye using a novel micro Spin-Tube device "Spin-Tube", as each of them
creates a specific spot pattern. Moreover, the direct use of ribosomal RNA without requiring the PCR
pre-amplification step is also feasible, further increasing the simplicity of the assay. The molecular
assay delivers sensitivity capable of identifying up to 8.7 copies per μL with single mismatch specificity.
The Spin-Tube thus represents an innovative solution providing benefits in terms of time, cost, and
simplicity, all of which are crucial for the diagnosis of infectious disease in developing countries.This research work has received funding from Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Economía e Innovación (project
number 2012-BIO1778), the Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Grants CTQ2012-34778,
BIO2016-80519-R, FPI Grant BES-2013- 063020). This research was partially supported by the 7th European
Community Framework Program (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG-Project Number 322276)
Nanotechnology-based disinfectants and sensors for SARS-CoV-2
Nanotechnology-based antimicrobial and antiviral formulations can prevent SARS-CoV-2 viral dissemination, and highly sensitive biosensors and detection platforms may contribute to the detection and diagnosis of COVID-19