Rapid multiplex microfiber-based immunoassay for anti-MERS-CoV antibody detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Immunology
• Materials Science

Background:

• On-site multiplex biosensors are crucial for monitoring individual health and disease status.
• Current methods for antibody detection can be time-consuming and require specialized facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel antibody immunoassay testing platform using microfiber-based antigen arrays.
• To create a rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool for detecting antibodies against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of electrospun polystyrene (ESPS) microfibers as 3D membrane filters.
• Patterning ESPS microfibers using localized oxygen plasma to create hydrophilic zones for antigen immobilization.
• Integration of the microfiber array into a compact, syringe-driven cassette device for multiplex immunoassay.

Main Results:

• The developed platform enables rapid capture of multiple analytes.
• The device demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for MERS-CoV antibodies, with a detection limit of 200 μg/mL.
• Assay preparation time was reduced to a total of 5 minutes.

Conclusions:

• The novel microfiber-based immunoassay platform offers a robust and efficient solution for on-site antibody detection.
• This technology has significant potential for rapid diagnostics of infectious diseases like MERS-CoV.
• The compact and rapid nature of the device facilitates point-of-care health monitoring.