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A whole blood immunoassay using gold nanoshells.
L R Hirsch1, J B Jackson, A Lee
1Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892, USA. lrhirsch@rice.edu
Analytical Chemistry
|August 16, 2003
Summary
This study presents a rapid immunoassay using gold nanoshells for detecting analytes in complex biological samples. This gold nanoshell immunoassay achieves sub-nanogram sensitivity in minutes without sample preparation.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional immunoassays often require extensive sample preparation.
- Detecting analytes in complex biological media like serum and whole blood presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, sample-preparation-free immunoassay for analyte detection.
- To utilize gold nanoshells for sensitive detection in diverse biological matrices.
Main Methods:
- Gold nanoshells, engineered nanoparticles, were functionalized with antibodies.
- Analyte-induced aggregation of antibody/nanoshell conjugates was monitored via spectroscopy.
- The optical resonance of gold nanoshells was leveraged for detection.
Main Results:
- Detection of immunoglobulins was successfully demonstrated in saline, serum, and whole blood.
- The immunoassay achieved sub-nanogram-per-milliliter sensitivity.
- Assay completion times ranged from 10 to 30 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Gold nanoshells enable a simplified, rapid immunoassay platform.
- This method is effective for detecting analytes in complex biological samples without prior preparation.
- The system offers high sensitivity and speed for various diagnostic applications.