Integration of Experiment and Modelling to Advance Biosensor Design based on Conformational Switching of Surface-Adsorbed Nucleic Acids
Abstract
The PI has had very good success with this grant. The ability to reliably detect stress indicators at the molecular level in the body is a keystrategy in managing warfighter performance. There is a huge need in the Air Force to monitor levels of warfighter stress, vigilance andfatigue in warfighters, in-situ. By accomplishing this goal, degradation in operator performance can then be addressed and consequently managed. The detection of molecules that are produced in the body in response to stress, known as molecular stress biomarkers, is a viablestrategy for achieving this. One approach for detecting these biomarkers is to exploit the recognition capabilities of nucleic acid aptamers, to construct bio-sensors based on these aptamers denoted herein as aptasensors. One of the key challenges inherent to the design and implementation of these aptasensors is the lack of direct structural evidence at the molecular-level regarding the conformations of the aptamer when adsorbed at the aqueous substrate, in both the presence and the absence of the target analyte. Our overall aim in this project is to establish this fundamental understanding via use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, in partnership with complementary experimental data, and to thereby enable the realization of reliable aptasensors based on graphene and Au nanoparticle substrates. There were 4 peer reviewed publications as a direct result of this grant funding.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1077162
Entities
People
- Tiffany R Walsh
Organizations
- Deakin University