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Femtogram Level Sensitivity achieved by Surface Engineered Silica Nanoparticles in the Early Detection of HIV
L A Avinash Chunduri1, Aditya Kurdekar1, Mohan Kumar Haleyurgirisetty2
1Laboratories for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Research, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthi Nilayam, 515134, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Scientific Reports
|August 4, 2017
Summary
We developed a highly sensitive immunoassay using fluorescent silica nanoparticles to detect HIV-1 p24 antigen. This new assay significantly enhances detection limits for improved blood safety, especially in resource-limited settings.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Immunodiagnostics
Background:
- Immunoassays are crucial for disease detection.
- Improving sensitivity and specificity is key for early diagnosis.
- Current methods may have limitations in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive immunoassay for HIV-1 p24 antigen detection.
- To engineer fluorescent silica nanoparticles for enhanced assay performance.
- To validate the assay's efficacy in clinical specimens.
Main Methods:
- Streptavidin-labeled Europium-doped fluorescent silica nanoparticles were synthesized.
- A time-resolved fluorescence-based sandwich immunoassay was established.
- The assay was tested for HIV-1 p24 antigen detection in clinical plasma samples.
Main Results:
- The silica nanoparticle-based immunoassay (SNIA) achieved a detection range of 0.02–500 pg/mL.
- SNIA demonstrated a 1000-fold sensitivity enhancement over conventional ELISA.
- No false positive results were observed in HIV-negative plasma samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed SNIA offers significantly improved sensitivity and specificity for HIV-1 p24 antigen detection.
- This assay can enhance blood safety by shortening the window period for HIV detection.
- The technology is adaptable for resource-limited settings and other antigen detection applications.
