Electronic device for the diagnosis of Human Visceral Leishmaniasis

• Grant number: 19/25277-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: February 01, 2020
• End date: October 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Wendel Andrade Alves
• Grantee: Freddy Alejandro Nunez Esteves
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/13856-0 - Adsorption orientations of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein on ZnO nanostructured surfaces employed as electrochemical immunosensors, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is parasitic diseases caused by different protozoan species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted by sand flies. This disease has limited treatments and in many cases, has unwanted effects, which makes prior diagnosis essential. The most common and definitive diagnostic method is the optical observation of the parasite through culture in a specific medium. Despite its excellent specificity, it is a dangerous and time-consuming procedure, as errors can lead to fatalities. As an alternative to optical diagnosis, other possibilities can be explored, such as kDNA identification by PCR and detection of antigens/antibodies in blood samples through assays such as ELISA and IFAT. In this proposal, an architecture already described in the literature by the research group (ACS Appl. Electron. Mater. 2019, 1, 2086-2095), in partnership with Rheabiotech Ltda, will be optimized for field detection. For this, portable potentiostat measurements will be validated, followed by simplification of data acquisition and analysis. Finally, a database will be built using sera from different healthy individuals and patients with Visceral and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis for cross-validation of a binary classification model (healthy or infected) by using logistic regression curves (ROC). Also, transistorized devices for Leishmaniasis detection will be constructed. For this, other peptides will be synthesized due to their performances demonstrated in previous works of the group. (AU)