Abstract: The oligonucleotide nanostructures enable pattern-recognized targeting of diseases, particularly useful as high-specificity detectors and inhibitors of viruses and toxins, such as for Dengue virus particles. The nanostructures include an oligonucleotide scaffold with a plurality of binders arranged in a pattern conforming to a plurality of surface epitopes of a target disease. Binding of the scaffolds to these surface epitopes has been shown to have inhibitory effects against the target disease. The scaffolds can also include functional domains that activate upon target binding. Assembly of the scaffolds can be achieved via annealing of separate oligonucleotide segments of predetermined length and sequence, which also advantageously define locations of binding domains in the resulting structure. This approach provides precise control over the spacing and orientation of epitope binding sites in the scaffold.

Abstract: The composition inhibits severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) via competitive binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The composition includes a plurality of sulfated glycosaminoglycans which bind to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing binding to and uptake by host cells. The sulfated glycosaminoglycans, including N-, 2-O, 3-O, or 6-O sulfate groups, or combinations thereof, include heparins and fucoidans, such as those isolated from brown seaweed. The compositions show antiviral activity, with EC50 as low as 0.08 ?M, and low cytotoxicity, making it promising for clinical use. While established SARS-CoV-2 treatments such as remdesivir need to be administered intravenously, the compositions discussed herein are advantageously capable to being delivered as a nasal spray, metered dose inhaler, oral delivery, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to multiplex detection of a bacterial pathogen in a sample. A first biotinylated lysin-derived cell wall binding domain is complexed with an avidin layer on a surface. A first bacterial pathogen detection complex including a second biotinylated lysin-derived cell wall binding domain, a detection domain, and an avidin linker complexed between the cell wall binding domain and the detection domain is also provided. The cell wall binding domains are derived from an endolysin, autolysin, bacteriocin, or exolysin, and are configured to bind a cell wall of a target bacterial pathogen. The detection domain includes one or more enzymes, fluorescent material, or DNA for emitting a signal for detection. Target bacterial pathogens present in a sample can thus be detected in a sandwich assay exhibiting increased selectivity and reduced limit of detection relative to traditional ELISA.