Poster AA13 - Novel Borophene Sensor for Detection of Infectious Diseases

Introduction: Over the past decade, extensive research has been carried out on biosensing and the development of diagnostic tools. Using two-dimensional (2D) materials and their connections to complex biological networks has expanded our understanding of the chemistry and physics of such interactions. We still have a long way to go before we completely comprehend how 2D borophene nanoplatelets affect intricate cellular networks. Because borophene is polymorphic in nature, its atoms are bonded in various ways to form structural variants. This 2D materials is unique and its material properties can be further modified. This work presents a synthetic approach that can be used to customize a diagnostic tool for HIV detection within cells. Being biocompatible the material can also be used to image cells and detect HIV levels inside a cell.

Materials and

Methods: Borophene has been synthesized with a continuous sonication of boron powder with an optimized probe sonication method. The borophene obtained in suspension form is then used for studying interaction with fluorophore tagged HIV oligonucleotides. This study was carried out with fluorescence turn off and turn on study with anti-oligonucleotide. The experiment conducted to consolidate this finding was isothermal titration calorimetry study (ITC). This novel platform also involves detection with HIV positive clinical samples. SEM, TEM, XRD, CD, UV, fluroscence, ITC, XPS has been performed for a detailed characterization of the sensor material.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: Results and Discussions

The emission study of the fluorophore tagged HIV oligonucleotides confirms that an interaction is occurring with the borophene surface leading to a sensor molecule that can detect HIV virus in human swabs. The thiol-conjugated oligonucleotide attaches with the electron-deficient borophene surface leading to the turn off or quenching of the fluorescence of the fluorophore tagged oligonucleotide. When anti-oligonucleotides are added in this mixture the fluorescence is regained proving the interaction of the oligonucleotides with the borophene surface. These studies along with ITC data of the binding energy gives definitive proof of the conjugation of the borophene with thiol group of the fluorescent oligonucleotide.

Conclusions

In conclusion we can say that borophene conjugated with the flurophore tagged oligonucleotide serves as a novel platform for HIV detection. These findings can also be leveraged for detecting other infectious diseases and imaging purposes.

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