New Emergent Nanotechnologies in Medical and Biochemical Applications:Advanced Fluorescence Protein-Based Nanosensors

Maria      Staiano; Marcella      de Champdore; Stefano      Borini; Andrea   M.   Rossi; Mose      Rossi; Sabato      D'Auria

doi:10.2174/2212796810701010003

Abstract

In this review we explore the advantages deriving from the use of either enzymes or binding proteins to develop non-consuming substrate fluorescence biosensors. We report on a novel approach to address the consumption of substrate by enzyme-based biosensors, namely the utilization of apo-enzymes as non-active forms of proteins, which through still able to bind the ligand yet cannot transform it into product. We also report recent studies in which fluorescence labelling of a naturally thermostable binding protein by a fluorescent probe allows a quantitative monitoring of glucose. Finally, we will illustrate a novel methodology based on the utilization of porous silicon chips that allows a nanotechnological approach to the realization of protein arrays for analyses of high medical and biochemical interest.

Keywords: Porous silicon, proteins, diabetes, fluorescence, biosensors

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