Hafsa Korri-Youssoufi

Toward intelligent polymers : DNA sensors based on oligonucleotide-functionalized polypyrroles

Abstract A conjugated polymer can be considered as tri-dimensional network of intrinsically conducting macromolecular wires, able to transport signals. When further functionalized with prosthetic groups showing recognition properties, such polymer architecture mimics the nervous system existing in living beings. With this aim, we have developed a new type of electrochemical sensors, based on electroactive polypyrrole functionalized with oligonucleotide (ODN). At first, we analyzed the experimental conditions for building such modified electrode, showing a high electroactivity in aqueous medium. We developed a new route for the functionalization of polypyrrole, involving a precursor polypyrrole bearing an easy leaving ester group, on which an amino-labelled ODN can be directly substituted. The electrochemical response of this polypyrrole electrode functionalized with an ODN probe has then been analyzed in various aqueous media, containing either complementary or noncomplementary ODN targets. Results show that the cyclic voltammogram of ODN-functionalized polypyrrole is not modified when in presence of a noncomplementary ODN in solution. On the other hand, a significant modification of the voltammogram is observed upon addition of a complementary ODN target, to the electrolytic medium, which indicates that specific hybridization has occurred between the polypyrrole-grafted ODN probe and its complementary ODN target in solution. This biological recognition can be quantitatively determined by an amperometric analysis, and the limit of detection of this electrochemical biosensor is about 10 −11 mol, without any signal processing. These results confirm that functionalized polypyrroles act as macromolecular wires able to transduce biological information into molecular signals.

Electrochemical impedance probing of DNA hybridisation on oligonucleotide-functionalised polypyrrole

We report a new approach for detecting DNA hybridisation using non faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The technique was applied to a system of DNA probes bearing amine groups that are immobilized by covalent grafting on a supporting polypyrrole matrix functionalised with activated ester groups. The kinetics of the attachment of the ss-DNA probe was monitored using the temporal evolution of the open circuit potential (OCP). This measurement allows the determination of the time necessary for the chemical reaction of ss-DNA probe into the polypyrrole backbone. The hybridisation reactions with the DNA complementary target and non complementary target were investigated by non faradaic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results show a significant modification in the Nyquist plot upon addition of the complementary target whereas, in presence of the non complementary target, the Nyquist plot is not modified. The spectra, in the form of Nyquist plot, were analysed with the Randles circuit. The transfer charge resistance R(2) shows a linear variation versus the complementary target concentration. Sensitivity and detection limit (0.2nM) were determined and detection limit was lower of one order of magnitude than that obtained with the same system and measuring variation of the oxidation current at constant potential.

Electrochemical Aptasensor of Human Cellular Prion Based on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Dendrimers: A Platform for Connecting Redox Markers and Aptamers

The present work aims to develop an electrochemical biosensor based on aptamer able to detect human cellular prions PrP(C) as a model biomarker of prion disease with high sensitivity. We designed the biosensor using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified with polyamidoamine dendrimers of fourth generation (PAMAM G4) which in turn were coupled to DNA aptamers used as bioreceptors. Electrochemical signal was detected by a ferrocenyl redox marker incorporated between the dendrimers and aptamers interlayer. MWCNTs, thanks to their nanostructure organization and electrical properties, allow the distribution of aptamers and redox markers over the electrode surface. We demonstrated that the interaction between aptamers and prion proteins leads to variation in the electrochemical signal of the ferrocenyl group. High sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.5 pM and a wide linear range of detection from 1 pM to 10 μM has been demonstrated. Detection of PrP(C) in spiked blood plasma has been achieved in the same range of concentrations as for detection of PrP(C) in buffer. The sensor demonstrated a recovery of minimum 85% corresponding to 1 nM PrP(C) and a maximum of 127% corresponding to 1 pM PrP(C).

Direct chemical functionalization of as-grown electroactive polypyrrole film containing leaving groups

Abstract A synthetic route for the functionalization of polypyrrole is described, which involves a direct chemical modification of as-grown polymer films containing labile groups, such as N -hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). Pyrrole is first substituted at the 3-position with NHS, and further electrochemically polymerized into a film of poly [3-NHS pyrrole]. A. direct chemical substitution of the easily leaving group NHS by another functional group is then carried out on the polymer film. β -Ferrocene ethylamine has been chosen as electrochemical probe, and the experimental conditions for substitution have been analyzed. Based on the ferrocene electroactivity, results show that substitution occurs with 100% yield on all the bulk of the polymer film, allowing the deposition of 10 −6 mol cm −2 of electroactive ferrocene linked to polypyrrole. This new approach toward the functionalization of polyheterocycles opens the way for an easy realization of elaborate electroactive architectures, involving fragile and expensive chemical or biochemicals groups, such as oligonucleotides, enzymes or hormones showing recognition properties.

E-DNA Sensor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Based on Electrochemical Assembly of Nanomaterials (MWCNTs/PPy/PAMAM)

Two-step electrochemical patterning methods have been employed to elaborate composite nanomaterials formed with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with polypyrrole (PPy) and redox PAMAM dendrimers. The nanomaterial has been demonstrated as a molecular transducer for electrochemical DNA detection. The nanocomposite MWCNTs-PPy has been formed by wrapping the PPy film on MWCNTs during electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole on the gold electrode. The MWCNTs-PPy layer was modified with PAMAM dendrimers of fourth generation (PAMAM G4) with covalent bonding by electro-oxidation method. Ferrocenyl groups were then attached to the surface as a redox marker. The electrochemical properties of the nanomaterial (MWCNTs-PPy-PAMAM-Fc) were studied using both square wave voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry to demonstrate efficient electron transfer. The nanomaterial shows high performance in the electrochemical detection of DNA hybridization leading to a variation in the electrochemical signal of ferrocene with a detection limit of 0.3 fM. Furthermore, the biosensor demonstrates ability for sensing DNA of rpoB gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in real PCR samples. Developed biosensor was suitable for detection of sequences with a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) T (TCG/TTG), responsible for resistance of M. tuberculosis to rifampicin drug, and discriminating them from wild-type samples without such mutation. This shows potential of such systems for further application in pathogens diagnostic and therapeutic purpose.

Electrochemical aptasensor of cellular prion protein based on modified polypyrrole with redox dendrimers.

This work consists of the development of an electrochemical aptasensor based on polyprrole modified with redox dendrimers, able to detect human cellular prions PrP(C) with high sensitivity. The gold surface was modified by conductive polypyrrole film coupled to polyamidoamine dendrimers of fourth generation (PAMAM G4) and ferrocenyl group as redox marker. The aptamers were immobilized on the surface via biotin/streptavidin chemistry. Electrochemical signal was detected by ferrocenyl group incorporated between dendrimers and aptamers layers. We demonstrated that the interaction between aptamer and prion protein led to variation in electrochemical signal of the ferrocenyl group. The kinetics parameters (diffusion coefficient D and heterogeneous constant transfer ket) calculated from electrochemical signals demonstrate that the variation in redox signal results from the lower diffusion process of ions during redox reaction after prion interaction due to bulk effect of larger protein. The association of redox dendrimers with conducting polypyrrole leads to high sensitivity of PrP(C) determination with detection limit of 0.8 pM, which is three orders of magnitude lower, compared to flat ferrocene-functionalized polypyrrole. Detection of PrP(C) in spiked blood plasma has been achieved and demonstrated a recovery up to 90%.

Electrochemical detection of d-dimer as deep vein thrombosis marker using single-chain d-dimer antibody immobilized on functionalized polypyrrole

We describe a rapid and sensitive method for detection and quantification of d-dimer which is a biomarker present at elevated concentrations in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) disorders. The method uses an immunosensor based on a single-chain antibody (ScAb) immobilized on a transducer surface and with a densely packed receptor layer. Detection is based on the redox activity of a N-alpha bis(carboxymethyl)-L-lysine (ANTA)/Cu2+ complex attached to a polypyrrole backbone. The resulting hybrid material: polypyrrole ANTA/metal complex/His-tag ScAb was characterized by AFM, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) for the optimization of the biosensor formation. The biosensor offers a promising template for antibody immobilization and for immunodetection of a specific D-dimer. The biosensor shows a remarkable variation in redox activity of the ANTA/Cu2+ complex after the D-dimer association with a binding constant Kd of 1 ng mL(-1). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) allows monitoring D-dimer association with a linear response between 0.1 ng mL(-1) and 500 ng mL(-1) and a detection limit of 100 pg mL(-1) in PBS is obtained. The biolayer exhibits the same sensitivity for the detection of d-dimer in human patient plasma samples. This assay method is versatile, offers enhanced performance for the evaluation of proteins association and could easily be extended to the detection of other proteins, present in serum human sample.

Investigation of SPR and electrochemical detection of antigen with polypyrrole functionalized by biotinylated single-chain antibody: A review

An electrochemical label-free immunosensor based on a biotinylated single-chain variable fragment (Sc-Fv) antibody immobilized on copolypyrrole film is described. An efficient immunosensor device formed by immobilization of a biotinylated single-chain antibody on an electropolymerized copolymer film of polypyrrole using biotin/streptavidin system has been demonstrated for the first time. The response of the biosensor toward antigen detection was monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrochemical analysis of the polypyrrole response by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The composition of the copolymer formed from a mixture of pyrrole (py) as spacer and a pyrrole bearing a N-hydroxyphthalimidyl ester group on its 3-position (pyNHP), acting as agent linker for biomolecule immobilization, was optimized for an efficient immunosensor device. The ratio of py:pyNHP for copolymer formation was studied with respect to the antibody immobilization and antigen detection. SPR was employed to monitor in real time the electropolymerization process as well as the step-by-step construction of the biosensor. FT-IR demonstrates the chemical copolymer composition and the efficiency of the covalent attachment of biomolecules. The film morphology was analyzed by electron scanning microscopy (SEM). Results show that a well organized layer is obtained after Sc-Fv antibody immobilization thanks to the copolymer composition defined with optimized pyrrole and functionalized pyrrole leading to high and intense redox signal of the polypyrrole layer obtained by the DPV method. Detection of specific antigen was demonstrated by both SPR and DPV, and a low concentration of 1 pg mL(-1) was detected by measuring the variation of the redox signal of polypyrrole.

Direct electrochemical detection of PB1-F2 protein of influenza A virus in infected cells.

Influenza virus represents a major concern of human health and animal production. PB1-F2 is a small proapoptotic protein supposed to contribute to the virulence of influenza A virus (IAV). However, the molecular mechanism of action of PB1-F2 is still unclear.PB1-F2 expression and behavior during the viral cycle is difficult to follow with classical biochemical methods. In this work we have developed an electrochemical biosensor based on immuno-detection system for quantification of PB1-F2 protein in infected cell. The electrochemical immunosensor was based on conducting copolypyrrole integrating ferrocenyl group as redox marker for enhancing signal detection. A specific anti-PB1-F2 monoclonal antibody was immobilized on the copolypyrrole layer via biotin-streptavidin system. We demonstrate that this electrochemical system sensitively detect purified recombinant PB1-F2 over a wide range of concentrations from 5 nM to 1.5 µM. The high sensor sensitivity allowed the detection of PB1-F2 in lysates of infected cells confirming that PB1-F2 is expressed in early stages of viral cycle. The immunosensor developed shows enhanced performances for the evaluation of PB1-F2 protein concentration in biological samples and could be applied for studying of PB1-F2 during influenza virus infection.

New method of polypyrrole functionalization toward molecular recognition

A new method of polypyrrole functionalization is described. This method involves a direct chemical modification of as-grown polypyrroles contaning leaving groups, such as N-hydroxysuccinimide or N-hydroxyphtalamide. A direct chemical substitution of amine groups, such as β-ferrocene ethylamine chosen as electrochemical probe, was studied. Furthermore amino-crown ether was also substituted to polypyrrole and electrochemical recognition properties toward alkaline cations were studied. These results bring an interesting way for easy and effective functionalization polymers toward recognition properties.