An application of a biochip based on a novel principle, PepTenChip®, for the detection of periodontal disease is summarized. ”Periodontal disease” is a common gum disorder affected approximately 80% of the population in many countries, and is an inflammatory condition caused by various species of dental plaque bacteria, with symptoms ranging from mild gingivitis to severe alveolar pyorrhea. Currently, diagnosis relies primarily on a dentist‘s judgment through clinical examination of the periodontal pocket with bleeding from periodontal tissues. However, these methods are not reliable since they are dependent on the skill of the dentist. Thus, an objective and straightforward diagnostic method is required. In the present study, disease model saliva was prepared by collaboration with a practicing dentist and used as the sample. Three blocks of amorphous carbon substrates, modified with carboxyl groups, were derivatized with 6-maleimide caproic acid. Using an arrayer (NanoPrintTM LM-60), capturing peptides for diagnostic tests were arrayed to create a periodontal disease testing chips. Fluorescence intensity changes caused by contact with saliva-samples as the disease model were measured, and statistical analysis was performed. The present results demonstrated that the present system allows analysis of oral healthcare and useful for detection of periodontal disease. Through the characterization of the capturing peptides, useful peptides for diagnostic purposes were identified.
PepTenChip® is suitable for comprehensive analysis by capturing peptides that interact with specific proteins and the type of peptides to be arrayed can be optimized. Future improvements may involve the use of databases for identification of targeted disease, which could enhance diagnostic accuracy. The application of various body fluids, such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid, to this system is expected to enable the rapid and more objective diagnosis of a variety of diseases.
Tominaga, Y., Usui, K., Hirata, A., Ito, H. and Nokihara, K. (2018) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 26, 3210-3216.