Peptide-cellulose conjugates for protease point of care diagnostics and treatment

Authors: Edwards, Judson - Vince; Fontenot, Krystal; Prevost, Nicolette; LIEBNER, FALK - University Of Natural Resources & Applied Life Sciences - Austria; French, Alfred - Al; PIRCHER, NICOLE - University Of Natural Resources & Applied Life Sciences - Austria; HALDANE, DAVID - Innovatech-Engineering; Condon, Brian

Submitted to: American Chemical Society National Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/22/2016
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Peptide-cellulose conjugates containing Human Neutrophil Elastase substrate sequences with both colorimetric and fluorometric signal molecules have been synthesized on a variety of cellulosic and nanocellulosic substrates including cotton and wood nanocrystals, wood nanocomposites, cotton-based aerogels, and various forms of cotton-based materials (filter paper, print cloth). These peptide-cellulose conjugate materials have been designed with functional value as both point of care protease sensors, and protease sequestrant dressing materials. They are applicable to the detection and treatment of chronic wounds where high protease levels characterize chronic wound pathology. Critical to the efficacy of a combined sensor/dressing design is both the material’s sensitivity to detect levels of protease found in the chronic wound, and to remove them from the wound. The protease sensors sensitivity to protease levels was found to correlate mostly with the specific surface area of the sensors transducer surface, and in some cases is influenced by porosity and pore volume where whole material constructs were evaluated. Some of the peptide-cellulose sensors revealed an improved kinetic binding affinity constant (Km) over solution-based measurements. A linear correlation was found between both nanocellulosic and cellulosic material zeta potential values and the ability of the material to remove protease from wound fluid. Thus, protease substrates linked to nanocellulosic and cellulosic platforms can be used to design ‘intelligent wound dressings’ by virtue of their combined detection sensitivity and protease binding performance.