Selection and Characterization of Single-Stranded DNA Aptamers of Diagnostic Potential against the Whole Zika Virus.

Zika virus became a major public health problem in early 2015, when cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly were associated with viral infection. Currently, ZIKV is endemic in all tropical areas of the world, and the chance for future Zika epidemics remains very real and accurate diagnosis is crucial. The aim of this work was to select specific ssDNA aptamers that bind to the entire Zika virus and can be used to compose specific diagnostics, without cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses.

Synthesis of Hydrogel Nanocomposites Based on Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide, Polyethyleneimine, and Modified Clay.

Polymeric gels have been an important category for material scientists due its versatile structural features. Hence, hydrogels are being used to reduce excess production water in oil reservoirs. In this work, cross-linked partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) composite hydrogels impregnated with bentonite clay (Bent) and bentonite clay modified (Orgbentent) with the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide were synthesized and characterized as a sealing agent in high water producing permeable zones in the petroleum industry.