Ultrasonic frequency analysis of antibody-linked hydrogel biosensors for rapid point of care testing

Analyte quantification in highly scattering media such as tissue, blood, and other biological fluids is challenging using conventional spectroscopic methods. Ultrasound easily penetrates these opaque samples, yet currently provides little chemical information. We have developed a general approach for creating hydrogel biosensors based on antibody-linked cellulose polymers. Target recognition induces changes to the sensor stiffness and size, which is accompanied by characteristic changes to a measured ultrasonic frequency profile. Using this technique, nM sensitivity for acetaminophen is demonstrated in a series of biofluids including whole blood, blood plasma, saliva, and urine. Likewise, this methodology is attractive for point of care diagnostics due to the short measurement time, simple methodology which excludes pretreatment of samples, and has minimal chemical or buffer requirements.