Prion adsorption to stainless steel is promoted by nickel and molybdenum

Abstract

Prions are infectious agents resulting from the conversion of a normal cellular protein, PrPC, to a misfolded species, PrPSc. Iatrogenic transmission of prions is known from surgical procedures involving stainless steel materials. Here, it was shown that stainless steel containing nickel and molybdenum binds PrPSc more efficiently and transmits infection to cells in culture to a higher degree than if these elements are not present. Furthermore, both nickel and molybdenum alone adsorbed PrPSc, and nickel powder could be used to extract PrPSc from dilute solutions, thus providing a simple approach to concentration of PrPSc. The fact that nickel and molybdenum in steel alloys increased the binding affinity, and bound infectivity, of PrPSc is an important issue to consider in the manufacture of surgical instruments and abattoir tools.