Nanostructured Antigen-Responsive Hydrogels Based on Peptides for Leishmaniasis Detection

Author(s)

Souza, Sivoney F. ; Kogikoski, Sergio, Jr. ; Silva, Emerson R. ; Alves, Wendel A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society; v. 28, n. 9, p. 11-pg., 2017-09-01.

Abstract

Hydrogels based on peptide nanostructures are biological entities that can be applied in a wide range of applications, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensors. The aim of this research was to study peptide hydrogels based on N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L, L-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF) in two different media: water and phosphate buffer. These hydrogels were used for encapsulating Leishmania infantun chagasi soluble proteins. The structure of the matrices was investigated in detail through scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The mechanical behavior of the hydrogels were assessed through rheology assays, demonstrating both the physical and chemical stability of the hydrogel scaffolds. The immunogenicity of immobilized antigens was studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection after the reaction with positive and negative dog sera for Leishmania infantum chagasi. The hydrogel was efficient to encapsulate antigens, and can promote the development of novel devices that requires the storage of biomolecules under moist environmental conditions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/12674-6 - Structural investigations on model systems based on amphiphilic peptides
• Grantee: Emerson Rodrigo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 08/57805-2 - Institute of Bioanalytics
• Grantee: Lauro Tatsuo Kubota
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/24018-1 - Polymer-Peptide Conjugates for hydrogel formulation and its usage in detection
• Grantee: Wendel Andrade Alves
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/01933-8 - Biomimetic electrospun matrixes: possible application in NO detection
• Grantee: Sergio Kogikoski Junior
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)