ANALYSIS OF PROTEASE ACTIVITY USING MEMBRANE- COATED BIOMIMETIC MICROSPHERES

Author

Jennifer M. Fetzer

Publication Date

7-13-2015

Abstract

Poisoning by Botulinum Neurotoxins (BoNTs) leads to the severe neuroparalytic illness known as botulism, which is characterized by flaccid paralysis, respiratory failure, and death. BoNTs are the most acutely toxic substances on the planet, so detection at physiologically relevant concentrations is difficult. Because current treatments for botulism cannot reverse existing paralysis, rapid detection is key, and current diagnostic techniques are not meeting this need. We have developed a flow-based assay platform that allows for detection of the Light Chain of BoNT/A as well as a means to study the action of the toxin on its protein substrate in a system that mimics many aspects of a physiologically relevant environment. The total assay time has been reduced to approximately 20 hours, and this platform has multiplex and high throughput screening capabilities for drug discovery.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biomedical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Biomedical Engineering

Project Sponsors

NIH 1R21EB016339-01A1

Recommended Citation

Fetzer, Jennifer M.. "ANALYSIS OF PROTEASE ACTIVITY USING MEMBRANE- COATED BIOMIMETIC MICROSPHERES." (2015). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/bme_etds/4