A fluorescent lateral flow biosensor for the quantitative detection of Vaspin using upconverting nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Vaspin is a serum protein implicated in type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
• Early and accurate detection of Vaspin is crucial for managing these conditions.
• Existing detection methods may lack the sensitivity or cost-effectiveness required for widespread screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an ultrasensitive lateral flow biosensor for Vaspin detection.
• To utilize fluorescent upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) for enhanced signal amplification.
• To provide a low-cost and rapid diagnostic tool for early type-2 diabetes detection.

Main Methods:

• A lateral flow biosensor was designed using a pair of cognate aptamers for Vaspin detection.
• Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) were conjugated to a secondary aptamer (detection probe).
• A primary aptamer (capture probe) was immobilized on the test zone, enabling a sandwich-type assay.

Main Results:

• The UCNPs-based biosensor demonstrated ultrasensitive detection of Vaspin.
• A wide detection range of 0.1-55 ng/mL was achieved with a limit of detection (LOD) of 39 pg/mL.
• The assay showed high sensitivity, reproducibility, and repeatability, suitable for clinical application.

Conclusions:

• The developed UCNPs-based lateral flow biosensor is a highly sensitive and cost-effective tool for Vaspin detection.
• This technology enables early diagnosis of type-2 diabetes and related conditions.
• The aptamer-based approach is adaptable for detecting other disease biomarkers.