Recent advances in peptide probe-based biosensors for detection of infectious agents.
Recent biological terrorism threats and outbreaks of microbial pathogens clearly emphasize the need for biosensors that can quickly and accurately identify infectious agents. The majority of rapid biosensors generate detectable signals when a molecular probe in the detector interacts with an analyte of interest. Analytes may be whole bacterial or fungal cells, virus particles, or specific molecules, such as chemicals or protein toxins, produced by the infectious agent. Peptides and nucleic acids are most commonly used as probes in biosensors because of their versatility in forming various tertiary structures. The interaction between the probe and the analyte can be detected by various sensor platforms, including quartz crystal microbalances, surface acoustical waves, surface plasmon resonance, amperometrics, and magnetoelastics. The field of biosensors is constantly evolving to develop devices that have higher sensitivity and specificity, and are smaller, portable, and cost-effective. This mini review discusses recent advances in peptide-dependent rapid biosensors and their applications as well as relative advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
Dover
Jason E
JE
Department of Biological Sciences, 101 Life Sciences Building, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Hwang
Grace M
GM
Mullen
Elaine H
EH
Prorok
Barton C
BC
Suh
Sang-Jin
SJ
D000818:Animals; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D023482:Bioterrorism; D006801:Humans; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques / Q000191:economics; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
D010455:Peptides