Molecular Biology is the study of the tiny building blocks of life, like DNA and proteins, that make up cells. By studying molecular biology, we can understand how cells work, and even find ways to cure diseases!

The Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCMB) is a simple device. The adsorption of a compound on the quartz surface causes a decrease in the resonance frequency that is proportional to the mass adsorbed. My goal was to use the QCMB to prepare a biosensor capable of measuring baculovirus particles.

Can a vibrating quartz crystal detect a virus? A quartz crystal microbalance (QCMB) measures tiny changes in mass on its surface. When something sticks to the crystal, its vibration frequency drops.

You coat the crystal surface with antibodies (proteins that grab specific targets) designed to catch baculovirus particles. When virus particles land on the antibodies, the crystal vibrates slower. The frequency change tells you how much virus is present.

The biosensor responds in a straight line across a useful range of virus concentrations. A cleaning mixture of acids and salts with EDTA can regenerate the antibody surface. This allows over 10 reuses without losing detection ability.

CALIFORNIA STATE SCIENCE FAIR


Use of Quartz Crystal Microbalance to Study Antibody Antigen Interactions


Objectives/Goals:

The Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCMB) is a simple device. The adsorption of a
compound on the
quartz surface causes a decrease in the resonance frequency that is proportional
to the mass adsorbed. My
goal was to use the QCMB to prepare a biosensor capable of measuring baculovirus
particles.

Methods/Materials:

Self assembled monolayers (SAM's) were used to modify the surface of a quartz
crystal to enable the
attachment of proteins such as antibodies. Antibodies against the baculovirus
coat protein gp64 were
immobilized on a SAM that contained an N-hydroxysuccinimide(NHS) group.
Additionally the regeneration of the bound antibody was examined by screening a
series of reagents
which enabled me to identify a combination of these reagents that efficiently
disrupt the antibody antigen
interaction with out damaging the bound antibody. This enabled the repeated
reuse of the antibody.

Results:

Results show that the quartz crystal microbalance successfully and rapidly
detected the presence of the
baculovirus via the gp64 antigen. The biosensor shows a remarkably linear
response, in the range of 10E6
to 10E7 pfu per mL. On the positive side, this response is sensitive enough to
be useful in cell culture,
since the concentration of baculovirus produced in cell culture is typically in
the range of 10E7 to 10E9
pfu per mL. On the negative side, the unit is temperature-sensitive, often
requiring an hour or more to
stabilize before useful measurements can be obtained.
The cleaning study showed that a mixture of acids, salts, and EDTA could
completely regenerate the
antibody and permitted more that 10 uses without any apparent lose in antibody
capacity.

Conclusions/Discussion:

The target antigen chosen for this project, the baculovirus Autographa
californica, is of particular interest
to many in the pharmaceutical and pesticide industries. This virus is most
active against the alfalfa looper,
which destroys many crops. This project has demonstrated its applicability to
industry in that baculovirus
titers were obtained with the quartz crystal microbalance biosensor, in less
than a day, with ability to
re-use it numerous times. The capability of this biosensor could expedite
industry#s ability to produce the
virus or products made by them.

Summary Statement:

The preparation of a biosensor to baculoviruses using a quartz crystal
microbalance.


Baculovirus Detection with a Quartz Biosensor

Use of Quartz Crystal Microbalance to Study Antibody Antigen Interactions

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Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living things. Biochemists study how different molecules like DNA and proteins work together to sustain life. The groundbreaking discoveries in biochemistry continue to lead to the discovery of new medicines and cutting-edge treatments for diseases.

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Baculovirus Detection with a Quartz Biosensor

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