Zika virus inactivation mediated by peptide-decorated silica nanoparticles

• Grant number: 18/15042-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2018
• End date: October 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Agreement: University of Miami
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Mateus Borba Cardoso
• Grantee: Mateus Borba Cardoso
• Principal researcher abroad: Marc R. Knecht
• Institution abroad: University of Miami, United States
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles, AP.TEM

Abstract

The proposal here described aims to synthesize fluorescent silica particles and coat them simultaneously with two distinct peptides using materials directing sequences to dock the functional biomolecules to the NP surface. The first is a RERERE-ending zwitterionic peptide, which will confer colloidal stability while avoiding protein corona formation around the particles. The second one is the MAVLGDTAWDFGSVGGALNSLGKGIHQIFGAAF targeting peptide which will likely induce nanoparticle/ZIKV interaction and, consequently, inactivate the viral ability to infect healthy cells. The biological activity of the synthesized particles will be tested against native Zika virus. (AU)