Synthesis and characterization of colloidal gold particles as labels for antibodies as used in lateral flow devices

Based on well established citrate reduction protocols for the synthesis of colloidal gold particles, this work focuses on the characterization of these colloids for further use as color labels in lateral flow devices. A reproducible production method has been developed for the synthesis of well characterized colloidal gold particles to be employed in Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs). It has been demonstrated that when undertaking chemical reduction of gold salts with sodium citrate, the amount of reducing agent employed could be used to directly control the size of the resultant particles. A protocol was thereby developed for the synthesis of colloidal gold particles of pre-defined diameters in the range of 15 to 60 nm and of consistent size distribution. The absorption maxima (λ(max)) of the reaction solutions were analyzed by UV/VIS measurements to determine approximate particle sizes, which were confirmed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. Colloidal gold particles of about 40 nm in diameter were synthesized and used for labeling monoclonal anti-mycotoxin antibodies (e.g. zearalenone). To deduce the extent of antibody coupling to these particles, smaller colloids with 15 nm diameter were labeled with anti-species specific antibodies. Both solutions were mixed and then scanned by TEM to obtain information about the success of coupling.