Development of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) biosensor utilizing liquid core waveguides

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Millions of individuals are diagnosed each year with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1. Each day more individuals are receiving antiretroviral medication to suppress the amount of virus in their blood, and diminish viral replication. In addition to worldwide initiatives to distribute antiretroviral medications, research is underway to design detection systems that will rapidly report the amount of viral load of individuals in developed and undeveloped areas for a low price, with little maintenance, and that require far less lab space. A novel biosensor for dual detection of viral particles, utilizing Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is reported. Soluble CD4 (sCD4) and a coreceptor such as gp120 monoclonal antibody (gp120 mAb) or anti-gp120 RNA aptamer are utilized as primary and coreceptors for detection of HIV-1 viral particles. Fluorescent molecules conjugated to sCD4, gp120 mAb, or RNA aptamer act as energy donors or acceptors during the FRET process. Results verify the ability to detect recombinant gp120 and HIV- 1 pseudoviral particles utilizing sCD4 and gp120 mAb. In this study dye molecules and quantum dots are conjugated to receptors to quantify the amount of HIV-1 in solution.