Development of PEDOT:PSS Microneedle Immunosensors for Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Flaviviruses.

• Grant number: 24/09564-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Wendel Andrade Alves
• Grantee: Fabíola Lelis de Castro
• 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: 22/14753-0 - Biosensing and delivery point-of-care technologies based on microneedles to improve healthcare testing and treatments, AP.TEM

Abstract

Flaviviruses, encompassing over 70 distinct viruses, are enveloped agents transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected ticks or mosquitoes. This transmission can lead to significant morbidity, mortality, and epidemics, posing a substantial global public health challenge. Infections from any flavivirus subtype can severely impact human health, and currently, no effective treatments or antiviral drugs are available for these viruses. Consequently, developing point-of-care (POC) diagnostic methods is crucial for mitigating the impact of these infections.Recently, microneedles (MNs) combined with electrochemical techniques have been recognized as promising for developing POC diagnostics. Immunosensors, utilizing antibodies to detect specific biomolecules, offer sensitive, selective, and versatile diagnostic solutions. MNs enable minimally invasive, painless, and rapid diagnostics through electrochemical methods.Selecting appropriate materials is critical for successfully developing a biosensor utilizing MNs. MNs should consist of non-toxic, conductive materials capable of penetrating the skin without causing harm and serving effectively as platforms for electrochemical reactions. Thus, identifying optimal methodologies and materials is essential for creating a durable, biocompatible, and sensitive biosensor.Conductive hydrogels, particularly the polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):(polystyrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) is extensively used in developing flexible and wearable sensors due to its high conductivity and biocompatibility. Organic solvents can weaken the bonds between PEDOT and PSS to enhance the physical properties, such as PEDOT's durability and conductivity.This project proposes the development of an immunosensor incorporating PEDOT modified with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) and anti-flavivirus antibodies to create conductive microneedles for POC diagnosis of flavivirus. Two specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against NS1 (clone 4H2) and E (clone 4G2) will be evaluated to determine the most effective for developing a straightforward, rapid, and cost-effective method that can sensitively detect flaviviruses. The goal is to develop a platform that employs 3D printing and silk-screening techniques to construct a versatile architecture for an electrochemical immunosensor.