Rational selection of hidden epitopes for a molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor in the recognition of heat-denatured dengue NS1 protein

Rational selection of predicted peptides to be employed as templates in molecular imprinting was carried out for the heat-denatured non-structural protein 1 (NS1) dengue virus (DENV). Conservation analysis among 301 sequences Brazilian isolates DENV and zika (ZIKV) NS1 by UniProtKB, peptide based on silico data conservational, structural immunogenic properties sequences. The selected (from NS1) synthesized a template electropolymerization polyaminophenol-imprinted films surface carbon screen-printed electrodes. Heat denaturation prior analysis, order expose its internal hidden epitopes. After removal template, molecularly imprinted cavities were able rebind whole denatured determined electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This label-free sensor efficient distinguish from ZIKV. Additionally, also selective NS1, comparison with human serum immunoglobulin G albumin. device detect at concentrations 50 200 ?g L?1 (RSD below 5.04%, r = 0.9678) diluted samples. calculated LOD LOQ were, respectively, 29.3 88.7 each could used six sequential cycles same performance.