Lateral flow immunoassay for diagnosis of Tuberculosis

• Grant number: 21/03912-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2021
• End date: June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Valtencir Zucolotto
• Grantee: Vinicius Cauan Mendes da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among infectious diseases according to the World Health Organization and represents a major problem for public health. Around 1.4 million people died from tuberculosis in the world in 2019, and in Brazil, there are about 4,400 to 4,600 cases per year since 2010. Early diagnosis of tuberculosis is essential for the most efficient treatment. , avoiding nonspecific therapies that contribute to the emergence of resistant forms of the pathogen. Current diagnostic methods, such as immunological assays and molecular tests, essential infrastructure, and specialized professionals, compromise the diagnosis in places with few resources. In this sense, new important biomarkers are being researched for the construction of new diagnostic tools. Among these biomarkers, we have the proteins Hsp65 and CFP-10, which are found in different patients with tuberculosis and are secreted in the early stages of infection. We propose here the development of a paper-based immunosensor for the simultaneous detection of Hsp65 and CFP-10 proteins using a lateral flow system. The device has several advantages over the diagnostic methods already used, such as low-cost material, easy to use, and quick and qualitative detection with the naked eye. Different experimental parameters were taken. This device is expected to contribute to the point-of-care diagnosis of tuberculosis. (AU)