Development of an innovative biosensor for testing picogram level of the Tau protein involved in microgravity associated neurodegeneration

Abstract

It is now clear how the astronaut's exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation causes an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), that allows to neurodegeneration onset. This knowledge has highlighted the importance of frequent monitoring of astronaut's health with innovative biosensors able to detect any pathological conditions in early stage; it is indeed largely documented that neurodegenerative diseases can be effectively treated only if quickly diagnosed. In this context, the structural changes of some biomolecules as ß-synuclein, ß -amyloid or Tau protein, present in different areas of the brain, seem to play a key role in the microgravity linked neurodegeneration mechanism becoming eligible targets for an early diagnosis. Starting from these considerations, hereby, we propose an innovative biosensor for detecting Tau protein at picogram level by using a pyro-electrohydrodynamic jet (p-jet) system. The detection limit of the system was obtained by an immunofluorescencebased test both in simple samples such as saline buffers (carbonate buffer pH 8.5) and in complex one as artificial urine. Our biosensor was already tested for other Alzheimer's disease biomarkers giving stimulating results. The proposed approach could represent an innovative breakthrough in monitoring the neurodegenerative linked microgravity syndromes of astronauts.