Rapid monitoring of virus-like particles using an optical biosensor: A feasibility study

• Published in: Journal of biotechnology 1998-08, Vol.63 (2), p.147-153
• Main Authors: Tsoka, S, Gill, A, Brookman, J.L, Hoare, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioassay; Biological and medical sciences; Bioprocessing; Biosensing Techniques; Biosensor; Biotechnology; DNA Transposable Elements; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Mass transfer; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Optics and Photonics; Others; Plastic coatings; Proteins; Purification; Rapid monitoring; Recombinant Fusion Proteins - analysis; Recombinant Fusion Proteins - genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - chemistry; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - genetics; Saccharomyces cerevisiae - virology; Surface properties; Various methods and equipments; Viral Proteins - analysis; Viral Proteins - genetics; Virus-like particle
• ISSN: 0168-1656; 1873-4863
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-1656(98)00092-3

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multimeric proteins expressed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The particles are ≈80 nm in diameter and they are used as a framework for a range of biological products; for example as carriers of viral antigens. Rapid monitoring of purified VLPs was investigated using an optical biosensor. The aim was to develop an assay which may be employed for real-time bioprocess monitoring of VLPs. Problems of mass transfer of analyte were overcome through selection of a planar biosensor surface, in preference to the traditional polymer-coated surface. To prolong the surface activity for interaction analysis, a sandwich assay was developed which involved the use of a secondary capture species. It was shown that VLP concentration in pure solution could be determined within 10 min.