Gold nanoparticles-modified nanomaghemite and quantum dots-based hybridization assay for detection of HPV

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are malignant tumors originating from the upper aerodigestive tract. The environmental pollution, high alcohol consumption and smoking are associated with this type of cancer, as well as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is often involved in the carcinogenesis and significantly correlates with the cancer prognosis. In recent decades, the number of techniques based on diagnostic of HPV using nanotechnologies including nanoparticles and their surface modification has been developed. Herein, we describe specific biosensing system for detection of HPV. The biosensor employs gold-coated nanoparticles-coated superparamagnetic nanomaghemite (AuMNPs) covered with thiolated oligodeoxyribonucleotides complementary to DNA sequence of E6 HPV-16 oncogene. Successful binding of viral ssDNA was recognized by anti-dsDNA antibodies labeled with HWRGWVC peptide-modified-CdTe quantum dots. The recognition and detection parts were characterized and the specificity was tested using HIV, influenza and HBV-specific oligonucleotides. As a proof-of-concept, system was employed for a detection of HPV-16 E6 presence in DNA obtained by eight subjects with histologically confirmed HNSCC. The obtained results were successfully verified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The developed system offers a cheap alternative to conventional PCR with a comparable sensitivity and versatility.