Browsing by Author "Correa-Duarte, Miguel"
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- Bioinspired host-tailored polymers based on molecular imprinting for cytokine assessmentPublication . Ferreira, Bianca; Correa-Duarte, Miguel; Marques, Arcelina; Moreira, Felismina; Martins, GabrielaMolecular imprinting undergone a substantial boost driven by the awareness of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)-ligand recognition skills. In particular, the introduction of natural-based compounds like cyclodextrins into the structural scaffold of synthetic recognition elements attracted great importance as a novel route to design more friendly-environments for protein binding, while promoting higher selectivity features. Herein, carbon electrodes doped with platinum nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and functionalized with polyallylamine (MWCNTs-PAH/Pt) were electrochemically modified with an imprinted sensing layer of poly(β-cyclodextrin-pyrrole) (poly(β-CD-Py)) towards interleukin 6 (IL-6) monitoring. The analytical performance of the biosensor was evaluated by using Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy techniques. Along the assembly, experimental parameters like nanomaterial deposition, monomer-protein concentrations and template removal solutions were carefully optimized and discussed. Furthermore, the electrodeposited film was characterized in terms of composition, morphology and structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Under optimal conditions, the developed sensor was able to rebind IL-6 over a wide linear range [1 pg/mL – 100 ng/mL], displaying high sensitivity, quick electrochemical response, and specific binding of the target molecule. Overall, this work reported the relevance of using hostguest complexes directly embedded in polymeric chains to generate newly controlled electrochemical sensors holding great potential for protein biosensing.
- The magic cocktail: Ampicillin and Biosynthesized gold nanoparticles synergism against Staphylococcus aureusPublication . Oliveira, Marco; Soares, Sílvia; Sá, Sara; Gestoso, Álvaro; Correa-Duarte, Miguel; Baylina, Pilar; Fernandes, Rúben; Pereira, Carla F.Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have garnered attention as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics due to their innovative antibacterial properties. This study demonstrates the successful production of biosynthetic gold nanoparticles (bAuNPs) using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) as spherical nanostructures at 58 ◦C for 24 h, under alkaline pH (9.0). The successful synthesis of bAuNPs was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, exhibiting a characteristic peak within the 500–600 nm wavelength range, and the evaluation of the main functional groups and morphology were stressed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), respectively. Subsequently, the synthesized bAuNPs were combined with low concentrations of ampicillin and evaluated against Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through the classical serial dilution method. This innovative approach holds the potential to address the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance, providing a viable and sustainable solution