Loading...
Journal Title
Keywords
Readers/Advisors
Premsrirut, Prem
Journal Title
Term and Year
Spring 2025
Publication Date
2022-04-15
Book Title
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
Publication Begin
Publication End
Number of pages
Files
Loading...
Patera_Andrew.pdf
Adobe PDF, 4.57 MB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Abstract
In the wake of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the need for rapid and highly sensitive pathogen testing
became apparent. The use of lateral flow and PCR-based assays were limited by sensitivity and
time, respectively. Biosensors with an electronic transduction element provide a way to address
the needs of rapid detection arising from the pandemic and can be applied to various industries
and fields of biomedical sciences. In this thesis, I address some of the key limitations in detecting
SARS-CoV-2 using field effect transistor technology, while exploring key conditions to enhance
biomolecular detection and build a platform for multiplexed detection of target analytes in a highly
sensitive fashion. Through collaboration with investigators at the NYU Tandon School of
Engineering, we designed and fabricated a graphene field effect transistor (GFET) platform for
broad pathogen detection and demonstrate its ability to detect live SARS-CoV-2 viral particles, as
well as spike protein. By implementing thermochemical scanning probe lithography, we
conjugated multiple probe types and tested their performance, including antibodies, aptamers and
peptides. Through systematic testing, we evaluated the probe length and ionic strength of the
testing matrix as key determinants of the theoretical sensitivity, as they affect a critical factor: the
Debye length (detection distance from the surface of the FET). In addition to viral detection, we
engineered a novel probe for bacterial detection, which exploits the ability of bacteria to cleave
specific DNA sequences using highly conserved enzymes (restriction endonucleases). For proof
of concept, we tested our probe using a commonly exploited restriction enzyme, EcoRI, and
demonstrate viability with a clinically relevant, pathogenic strain of Neisseria gonorrhea. These
DNA-based probes exhibit regenerative capabilities and are highly customizable to different
pathogens and detection modalities. Together, this work highlights progress in the effort for increased efficiency in pathogen detection using biosensors; both structurally and through
designing a new class of molecular probes.
Citation
Patera, A (2025). Engineering Molecular Probes for Diagnostic Applications [Doctoral dissertation, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University]. SUNY Open Access Repository. https://soar.suny.edu/handle/20.500.12648/16499