Immunosensor for the Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis in the preclinical stage by the detection of autoantibodies

• Grant number: 18/04648-9
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• Duration: September 01, 2018 - August 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal researcher: Marli Leite de Moraes
• Grantee: Marli Leite de Moraes
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Assoc. researchers: Elenice Deffune ; Sidney José Lima Ribeiro
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/20967-0 - Electrode optimization and assembly of self-assembled films for application in immunosensors, BP.TT; 18/21858-7 - Preparation of liposomes and layer-by-layer films for immunosensors application, BP.TT

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, responsible for most cases of progressive cognitive impairment in elderly patients. The degenerative process can start 20 years before the clinical onset of the disease, however, there are inhibitors that if given at the early stage may slow this process. This project proposes the development of an immunosensor for the detection of Alzheimer's disease in the preclinical stage to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on the detection of autoantibodies present in peripheral samples, such as blood or plasma, from patients with AD. More specifically, the detection of the anti-²A42, anti-FRMD8 and anti-ATP-synthase autoantibodies that are present in the preclinical and MCI stages will be studied through antigens ²A42 peptide, FRMD8 protein and ATP-synthase enzyme, respectively, immobilized in self assembly films. As basis for adsorption of the antigens it will be used the silk fibroin, sericin and chitosan, associated with nanoparticles containing lanthanide ions, Eu3+ and Tb3+. The detection will be performed using electrical impedance and electrochemical techniques, monitoring the changes in electrical properties, and optical measurements, using energy transfer processes between the nanoparticles and the elements of biorecognition. At the end of the project, it is expected the AD detection in peripheral samples in the preclinical and MCI stages, making it possible the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, in order words before cognitive impairment. (AU)