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Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy competitive binding biosensor development utilizing surface modification of
Brian M Walton1, George W Jackson2, Nicolaas Deutz3
1Texas A&M University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College Station, Texas, United States.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|July 22, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel surface modification of silver nanocubes for point-of-care biosensing using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The developed assay detects citrulline biomarkers at picomolar levels, paving the way for advanced medical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics require sensitive detection of biomarkers in bodily fluids.
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) offers high sensitivity for detecting low-analyte concentrations.
- Developing robust SERS-based assays for PoC applications is crucial for decentralized medical diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the feasibility of a competitive binding SERS assay for citrulline detection using functionalized silver nanocubes.
- To develop and characterize aptamers for citrulline.
- To establish a SERS-based detection method for citrulline at low concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of colloidal silver (Ag) nanocubes with mercaptobenzoic acid and a polyethylene glycol linker.
- Characterization of functionalized nanocubes using zeta-potential, TEM, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and SERS.
- Development and testing of citrulline aptamers using backscattering interferometry.
- Affinity testing of aptamers against citrulline and other amino acids using microscale thermophoresis.
Main Results:
- Successful surface modification of Ag nanocubes was confirmed.
- The functionalized nanoparticles were detectable by SERS down to 24.5 picomolar concentrations.
- Citrulline aptamers exhibited at least a 50-fold stronger binding affinity for citrulline compared to other amino acids.
Conclusions:
- The developed surface modification method is effective for SERS-based biosensing.
- The study validates the potential of SERS assays with aptamer-functionalized nanoparticles for sensitive citrulline detection.
- This approach shows promise for developing PoC diagnostic devices for medical applications.
