This blog is devoted to BIOL 6988, a graduate level seminar in the biological sciences at Youngstown State University. While targeted towards graduate students, BIOL 6988 actively incorporates undergraduate participants in their scholastic endeavors in the biological sciences. This blog is intended as a educational tool not just for YSU students and faculty, but for anyone who wishes to contribute to an active-learning environment.
Alex did a great job presenting his project on the Purification of Phage-Displayed HSA-Specific Peptide for Biosensor Production. He discussed what biosensors are and what they can be used for and his particular interest for their use was for police or armed forces since they are currently not being used by them. The biosensor would detect a loss of blood and then be able to signal this to a dispatcher to let them know what has happened so the injured person can be found much quicker. His project used a semiconductor transducer as one of the components for his biosensor, specifically a carbon nanotube. He also discussed the process of phage display and purification of the peptide. The protein used for his study was human serum albumin because it is the most abundant protein in blood. His hypothesis was that BR-1 will be shown to have a high affinity for HSA making its use for biosensor production a viable option. He is currently trying to test the affinity of BR-1 with HSA via peptide ELISA and competitive ELISA. He is also trying to determine a cost effective way to purify the peptide.
The use of these biosensors would be so beneficial to those on active duty and for first responders, do you think the biosensors should also be able to detect other proteins found in the blood or do you think the detection of HSA as the most abundant protein will allow for these to function as best as possible?
Since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein in blood, that makes it the most effective molecule for the biosensor to detect. Having the biosensor detect other plasma molecules, preferably proteins to decrease duplication of effort, may not increase the biosensors effectiveness.
I found Alex's project very interesting as well as pertinent. The cost effective production and utilization of biosensors could be life-altering especially for first responders and the armed forces. I agree with Frank, since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein in the blood it will be the most effective molecule detected by the biosensor.
Looking beyond Alex's project, I think this could invoke research for internal biosensors that could detect dangerously high/low levels. We have glucometers for diabetic patients but something to detect diabetic ketoacidosis would be great. Maybe even attaching a biosensor to the ports that cancer patients receive chemo through to detect levels of leukocytes and such, diminishing the use for blood draws and the potential of blowing out their veins.
I agree with both Frank's and Jessica's assessment that since HSA is the most abundant protein in the blood it is the most logical to use in this application. Although, the addition of other proteins to include would not be a bad avenue to explore, they may not be as cost effective or reactive due to their lower concentrations.
Also, I think Jessica added a great point in the additional potential applications for this research in medicine.
Alex's research is aiming to improve a method of detecting blood using phage display to find a peptide sequence to use as a bioreceptor against HSA. I agree with the general consensus that HSA is the ideal target as it is abundant in blood, and the fact that the sensor needs to be able to detect it to function as expected in critical situations. Jessica has some interesting ideas that would also utilize phage display to find bioreceptors for other ailments. While Alex has tested against purified HSA, I wonder how in practice the biosensor will perform. If another molecule has a binding site on HSA where Alex's peptide is specific too, it could lead to a reduced signal, or if the peptide is not "specific enough" then it could lead to false alarms. While I'm unsure of the practically of it, maybe additional biosensors that can detect hypovolemic shock could be developed to give a "second level" of detection and signaling.
I agree with Frank and Nathan. Since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein, it would be the ideal molecule for biosensors to detect. Another molecule could cause a reduced signal or false positives in a time when getting a patient care is crucial. It would be an amazing advancement for military personnel and police forces to lead to a decrease in causalities in the field.
Alex did great in his presentation. I agree too, since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein, it makes the most effective detectable biosensor molecule. It will be a good addition if used on armed forces officer since they are more prone to danger. Alex also mentioned about how expensive this project is. Do you think there can be found a cost effective way to purify the phage -displayed HSA-specific peptide for biosensor production? This will greatly save lives by decreasing causalities in war zones and in fatal accidents.
Alex did a great job presenting his project on the Purification of Phage-Displayed HSA-Specific Peptide for Biosensor Production. He discussed what biosensors are and what they can be used for and his particular interest for their use was for police or armed forces since they are currently not being used by them. The biosensor would detect a loss of blood and then be able to signal this to a dispatcher to let them know what has happened so the injured person can be found much quicker. His project used a semiconductor transducer as one of the components for his biosensor, specifically a carbon nanotube. He also discussed the process of phage display and purification of the peptide. The protein used for his study was human serum albumin because it is the most abundant protein in blood. His hypothesis was that BR-1 will be shown to have a high affinity for HSA making its use for biosensor production a viable option. He is currently trying to test the affinity of BR-1 with HSA via peptide ELISA and competitive ELISA. He is also trying to determine a cost effective way to purify the peptide.
ReplyDeleteThe use of these biosensors would be so beneficial to those on active duty and for first responders, do you think the biosensors should also be able to detect other proteins found in the blood or do you think the detection of HSA as the most abundant protein will allow for these to function as best as possible?
Since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein in blood, that makes it the most effective molecule for the biosensor to detect. Having the biosensor detect other plasma molecules, preferably proteins to decrease duplication of effort, may not increase the biosensors effectiveness.
ReplyDeleteI found Alex's project very interesting as well as pertinent. The cost effective production and utilization of biosensors could be life-altering especially for first responders and the armed forces. I agree with Frank, since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein in the blood it will be the most effective molecule detected by the biosensor.
ReplyDeleteLooking beyond Alex's project, I think this could invoke research for internal biosensors that could detect dangerously high/low levels. We have glucometers for diabetic patients but something to detect diabetic ketoacidosis would be great. Maybe even attaching a biosensor to the ports that cancer patients receive chemo through to detect levels of leukocytes and such, diminishing the use for blood draws and the potential of blowing out their veins.
I agree with both Frank's and Jessica's assessment that since HSA is the most abundant protein in the blood it is the most logical to use in this application. Although, the addition of other proteins to include would not be a bad avenue to explore, they may not be as cost effective or reactive due to their lower concentrations.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think Jessica added a great point in the additional potential applications for this research in medicine.
Alex's research is aiming to improve a method of detecting blood using phage display to find a peptide sequence to use as a bioreceptor against HSA. I agree with the general consensus that HSA is the ideal target as it is abundant in blood, and the fact that the sensor needs to be able to detect it to function as expected in critical situations. Jessica has some interesting ideas that would also utilize phage display to find bioreceptors for other ailments. While Alex has tested against purified HSA, I wonder how in practice the biosensor will perform. If another molecule has a binding site on HSA where Alex's peptide is specific too, it could lead to a reduced signal, or if the peptide is not "specific enough" then it could lead to false alarms. While I'm unsure of the practically of it, maybe additional biosensors that can detect hypovolemic shock could be developed to give a "second level" of detection and signaling.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Frank and Nathan. Since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein, it would be the ideal molecule for biosensors to detect. Another molecule could cause a reduced signal or false positives in a time when getting a patient care is crucial. It would be an amazing advancement for military personnel and police forces to lead to a decrease in causalities in the field.
ReplyDeleteAlex did great in his presentation. I agree too, since HSA is the most abundant plasma protein, it makes the most effective detectable biosensor molecule. It will be a good addition if used on armed forces officer since they are more prone to danger. Alex also mentioned about how expensive this project is. Do you think there can be found a cost effective way to purify the phage -displayed HSA-specific peptide for biosensor production? This will greatly save lives by decreasing causalities in war zones and in fatal accidents.
ReplyDelete